📍 Virgin Media Park, Cork

Midleton RFC produced a battling performance away to Dolphin RFC but were narrowly edged out 26–19 in a hard-fought AIL Division 2C clash at Virgin Media Park. Despite the result, the lads showed real determination to earn a valuable bonus point in the derby.

The home side started brightly, crossing for tries in the 5th and 18th minutes, both converted, to take an early 14–0 lead. Midleton responded with sustained pressure deep in Dolphin territory, and after a series of powerful phases, Ryan Lehane dived over for a deserved try — narrowing the gap to 14–5.

Dolphin extended their advantage with another converted try to move 21–5 ahead, but Midleton refused to back down. The pack hard work paid off just before the break as the referee awarded a penalty try, leaving the halftime score finely poised at 21–12.

The second half was a tense, physical battle with both sides threatening to break through. With the next score proving crucial, it was Dolphin who struck first on the 70-minute mark, crossing out wide to make it 26–12 after the missed conversion.

True to form, Midleton kept fighting to the final whistle. Their relentless forward pressure once again forced a second penalty try in the dying moments, ensuring they left Cork with a hard-earned bonus point for their efforts.

Although disappointed not to take more from the game, Midleton can take pride in a spirited away display built on grit, scrum dominance, and never-say-die attitude. The focus now turns to Towns Park next weekend, as the Red Devils look to turn that resilience into another home victory.