Dolphin had the benefit of a near gale force wind in the first half.  Belfast Harlequins knew 1 point would put them in the promotion /relegation playoffs, defeat and a 5 pointer for Malahide would see them relegated on points difference.

Brian O’Mahony crossed for a Dolphin try after just 4 minutes, and after 10 a Max Abbott try and a conversion by  Hunter Yarrall had Dolphin 12-0 ahead.

Soon after, Belfast Harlequins in their only incursion into the Dolphin 22 in the opening half reduced the lead to 12-7. It was difficult for the visitors to get out of their 22 with the wind, and at time they forced it too much leading to turnovers.

A Darragh Buckley converted try had Dolphin within touching distance of the bonus point and Max Abbott with his 2nd just before the break saw Dolphin go 26-7 ahead.

Scores were harder to come by in the 2nd half and Belfast Harlequins did bring in back to 26-14, a further try may have been the minimum requirement for the all important try but it was Max Abbott’s hat trick try that gave Dolphin a good cushion and Belfast Harlequins through everything at it. Dolphin held on to win 31-14 and unfortunately for Belfast Harlequins, Malahide had taken 5 points against Monkstown which saw the Ulster side relegated automatically.