Late Drama as Bective Hold Their Nerve to Edge Dolphin in Donnybrook Thriller
7 February 2026, Energia Park Donnybrook - Round 13, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD
BECTIVE RANGERS FC 29 – 24 Dolphin RFC
Bective Rangers dug deep in a pulsating Round 13 AIL Division 2C contest at Energia Park, holding off a furious late surge from Dolphin RFC to claim a hard-earned 29–24 victory in Donnybrook.
Dolphin struck first in a tightly fought opening half, with Daryl Foley opening the scoring with a penalty goal on 13 minutes before Sam Boyle crossed for a try six minutes later, Foley again adding the extras. Bective responded well, finding their rhythm through the boot and leadership of captain Matthew Gilsenan. Connor Kelly powered over on 25 minutes, Gilsenan converting before adding a penalty on 37 minutes to leave the sides locked at 10–10 at the break.
(Half-time: Bective Rangers 10 – 10 Dolphin)
The second half belonged to Bective’s ambition and energy—at least for the opening quarter. Connor Kelly grabbed his second try just three minutes after the restart, again converted by Gilsenan. The pressure told soon after as winger Chris Rolland finished well on 54 minutes and then struck again on 65, with Gilsenan adding one of the two conversions to push Bective into a commanding position.
But Dolphin were far from finished. Philip Elwood reignited the contest with tries on 70 and 78 minutes, both converted by Foley, setting up a nervy finale. As Bective attempted to run down the clock, Dolphin camped on the home line in the closing moments, probing relentlessly for a winning score. Bective’s defence, however, stood firm, and the final whistle was met with equal parts relief and celebration from the home support.
Speaking after the match, Bective Head Coach Ben Manion, had only praise for the team and their physical edge:
“I’m immensely proud of the effort, especially in those final minutes. We asked the players to trust their systems and trust each other, and they did exactly that when it mattered most.”
“From the sideline it felt like an age waiting for that final whistle. Dolphin threw everything at us, but our lads refused to buckle. That’s a big win for this group and a sign of how far they’ve come.”
The win keeps momentum building for Bective as they look ahead to Round 14, when they go on the road to County Antrim for a first-ever visit to The Cloughan to face Ballyclare RFC on Saturday, 28 February (2.30pm). When the sides last met in Donnybrook on 1 November, Bective ran out 36–17 winners in a six-try display—and they’ll be hoping for a similarly positive outcome away from home.
Scorers: Bective Rangers: Tries: Conor Kelly 2, Chris Rolland 2; Cons: Matthew Gilsenan 3; Pen: Matthew Gilsenan
Dolphin: Tries: Sam Boyle, Philip Elwood 2; Cons: Daryl Foley 3; Pen: Daryl Foley
BECTIVE RANGERS: 15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Ben Garrett, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Dave McPolin; 10 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Donagh Lawler, 6 Chris Poole, 7 Tiarnan McCloskey, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Scott Barron, 17 Luke Mion, 18 Oisin McCloskey, 19 Tom McCarthy, 20 Mikey O’Hare. Referee: Chris Cahoon, UAR IRFU.
