Bective Outplay Dolphin in Driving Rain to Claim Excellent Away Win
Impressive performance given the unplayable-at-times weather
15 November 2025, Virgin Media Park, Cork -AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD 🐕
DOLPHIN RFC 14 – 35 BECTIVE RANGERS FC
Bective Rangers produced a superbly controlled performance in dreadful conditions on Saturday, overcoming Dolphin 35–14 in relentless heavy rain at Virgin Media Park. Despite the downpour that turned the pitch slick from the opening minutes, Bective adapted brilliantly, showing discipline, precision and smart game management to secure an impressive away victory.
The visitors ran in five tries — two from the outstanding Chris Rolland, along with scores from Craig Cantwell, Oly Foote, and Chris Poole — while kickers Matthew Gilsenan and Connor Halpenny handled the swirling rain with admirable accuracy. It was a result that underlined Bective’s growing confidence and tactical sharpness in Division 2C.
From the outset, Bective looked the team more at home in the terrible weather. Their forwards, led by James Gallagher, Gavin Kelly and Donagh Lawlor, carried with conviction and held onto possession with remarkable control given the conditions. Early pressure yielded the opening try when Chris Poole finished in the corner after a patient, multi-phase build-up.
Bective’s pack continued to dictate the tempo, and following a series of direct carries drew Dolphin defenders in, and Referee John Lills, MA IRFU awarded a penalty. Matthew Gilsenan added the points — no easy task in sheets of rain — to extend the lead.
Dolphin briefly halted Bective’s momentum with a well-taken try from Sam Boyle, converted by Hunter Yarrell. But Bective struck a crucial blow before half-time. Spotting disorganised cover around the fringe, out-half Oly Foote tapped quickly, confused the opposition, and sniped over, giving Bective a deserved 15–7 lead at the break.
(Half-time: Dolphin 7 – 15 Bective)
The second half began with Dolphin showing renewed purpose. Their forwards tightened their carrying lines, and the back row of Eoghan Sheehan, James Vaughan, and #8 Matthew Barry worked tirelessly in the close exchanges. Boyle’s second try — a sharp finish after a midfield burst — brought the score back to 14–15 and gave the hosts genuine hope.
But the conditions continued to favour the more composed side, and Bective responded ruthlessly. Their ball retention in the wet was notable throughout, and it was another phase-heavy movement with a deft kick by Oly Foote to the right touch-line that released Chris Rolland to claim his try. Connor Halpenny added the extras.
With Dolphin forced to chase the game, Bective tightened their grip. Their set-piece remained solid, their kicking game controlled the territory, and their defence was unyielding. This forced Dolphin into errors while their pack continued to dominate close-in exchanges. The final score of the day arrived when Chris Rolland intercepted on the half-way to sprint to the corner, sealing an emphatic victory in dreadful conditions.
Bective’s performance — built on tactical intelligence, accuracy in the wet, and dominance up front — was one of their most complete displays of the season. Given the weather, their control of the game was particularly impressive, and the result strengthens their challenge near the top of Division 2C.
Afterwards, team captain Matthew Gilsenan praised the collective effort:
“Away wins in the AIL don’t come easy, and this one means a lot. The rain was relentless, and Dolphin were physical, but our attitude was spot on. To come away with five points on the road is a brilliant result for the group.”
Next up is a visit from Malahide RFC to Donnybrook, Saturday 29th November @ 2.30pm, — and after a performance like this, full of energy and discipline, Bective will be brimming with confidence.
Scorers:
Bective Rangers: Tries — C. Rolland (2), O. Foote, C. Cantwell, C. Poole. Conversions — M. Gilsenan, C. Halpenny. Penalty — M. Gilsenan, C. Halpenny.
Dolphin: Tries — Sam Boyle (2). Conversions — Hunter Yarrell (2).
Bective Rangers 1st XV: 15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Ben Garrett, 12 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 11 Craig Cantwell, 10 Oliver Foote, 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Oscar Egan, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Donagh Lawlor, 6 Oisin McCloskey, 7 Chris Poole, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Rory Mulvihill, 17 Shane Ryan, 18 Mark O’Brien, 19 Ross MacGoey, 20 Tom McCarthy.
Referee: John Lillis, Cashel RFC, MA IRFU.
