Division 1A
Blackrock College 6
Dolphin 12
Dolphin travelled to Stradbrook on the back of two league defeats to take on a side, which contained seven members of the Leinster Academy.

Blackrock's options were so strong in the backline, that included six academy players, they could afford to start with the second highest points scorer in Division 1A, James Power, on the bench.

It was up front where Dolphin won the game. This combined with a resolute defence that took everything thrown at them ensured a valuable four points for the Musgrave Park outfit. Dolphin started the Munster trio of Brugnaut, Williams and Coughlan together for the first time, and they had the edge over the Blackrock pack, which included Irish international and former Munster second row Trevor Hogan.

Blackrock claimed the first points of the contest with a penalty from Ian Madigan early on. The best break of the day soon followed from Dolphin full back Denis McCarthy on 25 minutes, who made a great run but he was held up just short as he seemed certain to score. Dolphin then camped themselves on the Blackrock line with Nick Williams eventually crossing for a try in the 28th minute, which was converted by Barry Keeshan. Dolphin kept Blackrock in their own half for most of the second period and extended their lead to 12-3 after a lovely cross kick from Barry Keeshan was caught by James Coughlan who made no mistake to score his side's second try. It was fitting that Coughlan, Dolphin's top try scorer, was to notch this one, the club’s 500th try in AIB League and Cup competitions.

Ian Madigan scored a second penalty for Blackrock, narrowing the gap to six points, however it was only good enough to guarantee a losing bonus point for the home side.

This Saturday sees Dolphin attempt to qualify for the AIB Cup final when they entertain Garryowen at Musgrave Park, kick-off 12.30pm. With three Munster sides in the semi-finals, it looks very likely it will be an all Munster final, quite possibly an all Cork one.

Both Dolphin and Garryowen won last weekend and will be feeling confident of making the final scheduled for 30 January 2010. Garryowen Academy Chairman Gerry O'Mahony is sure to take a keen interest in the final with his sons Barry (Dolphin) and Ronan (Garryowen) coming face to face. Dolphin will be hoping to have a number of their Munster players available to them, one of the most interesting battles on Saturday will be at scrum-half. Dolphin will have Sam Cronin at number nine, he is in great form this season and will be hoping to feature again on the Irish Club International side in the New Year. His Garryowen counterpart is likely to be Conor Murray, a member of the Munster Academy, Murray made his Munster debut against Sale Sharks in a pre-season friendly.

Cork Con 16
St Mary's College 9
Cork Constitution overcame an early 6-0 deficit to beat Division 1A leaders St. Mary's College in fine style at Temple Hill last Saturday.

Eager to put one over on their chief chasers, St. Mary’s made a strong start with the backing of a blustery wind. Two penalties from former UCC clubman Gavin Dunne, inside the opening five minutes, sent the Dubliners into a 6-0 lead and they used the conditions to pin Cork Con into their own half for most of the first period.