Inspirational captain James Coughlan was amongst the try scorers as newcomers Dolphin got off the mark with a 24-17 win over UCD at Musgrave Park.
Munster number eight Coughlan continued where he left off last season when he dotted down ten times.
The Cork side's out-half Barry Keeshan kicked two penalties but UCD led 10-6 at the interval thanks to a converted try from Ireland Under-21 Sean O'Brien.
College failed to make full use of a strong wind and paid the price in the second period as tries from Dolphin winger Eric Moloney and centre Ed Mills swamped a Brian McGovern score.
