The results of 3 other games could potentially have seen Thomond go back to be league leaders or Dolphin go into the top 4 for the first time this season.

2 results went against Thomond and Monkstown’s defeat by Belfast Harlequins combined with a bonus point win saw Dolphin leapfrog Monkstown into 3rd place.

Dolphin lost Matt Barry to a serious looking knee injury after 14 mins and player coach Dave O’Mahony made his first appearance of the season. Just 7 mins later, a well constructed maul saw hooker Max Abbott scoring the opening try which Hunter Yarrall converted.

2 mins later full back Hunter Yarrall crossed near the posts and had no problem in adding the conversion.

The visitors led Dolphin know that meant business and they scored a converted try to narrow the gap to 14-7.

Just 3 mins later and Sam Birrane had scored his first try of the day for the Limerick men to level the game for the first time.

On 34 mins, Dolphin struck back through a Finn Cowhig try, once again converted by Yarrall.

Dolphin suffered a costly yellow card in the final minute of the opening half and Thomond and a late try saw the sides level at 21-12.

3 mins into the 2nd half and Thomond took the lead for the first time, making use of the extra man.

Thomond then lost a man to the bin and quickly after this Richie Heaslip with another conversion from Hunter to level the game 28-28.

With 60 mins on the clock, captain Craig O’Connell put his side ahead with an unconverted try.

Dolphin gave themselves some breathing space when Sam Boyle scored a try, once again converted by Hunter.

The game was put out of Thomond’s reach after 72 mins with a great individual try from MOM Hunter Yarrall.

It was Dolphin’s day when in the final play, Scott Sexton scored his sides 8th try and Hunter Yarrall made it 7/8 conversions and a personal tally of 24 points.

Dolphin moved into 4th place and have a tough game in Clonmel against the only side that has a 100% home record before returning to Virgin Media Park on 4th April against Belfast Harlequins who maybe playing to avoid the relegation play off.