After the disappointment of the last game v Bective Rangers, the first AIL home defeat in 18 months, Dolphin travelled northwards to Co Antrim in what was described by many as a most win game as a loss could have left Dolphin in 9th, the play off position.

Perhaps it was this pressure, but Dolphin did not have a good start. The supporters were very worried when after 20 mins Ballyclare had a 12-0 lead. Dolphin finally got on the scoresheet after 25 mins when Dalton O’Shaughnessy forced his way  over by the posts and Hunter Yarrall had an easy conversion to make in 12-7. Just 4 mins later it was his brother Cam finished off a good move and levelled the game at 12-12.

3 mins later it was Eoghan Sheehan that got his name on the scoresheet with his first try and Hunter made it 12-19. Scott Sexton scored his first of the day on half time, Dolphin scoring the 4 tries in just 15 mins.

Dolphin then had the wind at their backs for the 2nd half and were expecting a big reaction from the home side, but it was Dolphin through Sam Boyle scored 8 mins into the 2nd half. A nice variation in the lineout saw backrow Matt Barry bringing the score to 12-34.

Carrigaline native Richie Heaslip scored try no. 7 and substitute Daryl Foley added the extras, 12-41, Dolphin having scored 41 unanswered points. Like the opening 20 mins, the final 20 mins once again belonged to the home side, scoring 3 tries in 10 mins and just needing another score to get a 2nd bonus point. Then possibly the individual try of the game, his 2nd, from Scott Sexton extended the lead to 33- 48. Ballyclare did not give up, an unconverted try , the final score of the game brought it to 38-48.

An excellent win on the road, and they are away again next Saturday to Monkstown at Sydney Parade.

While there is not a major uplift in position in a season where there will be no promotion, going from 8th to 7th, but the point’s difference between Dolphin and Ballyclare in the play off position has gone from 3 to 7 and Belfast Harlequins are in between us.