Corinthians get the job done to remain on track for promotion

Date Published: {J}

CORINTHIANS 26

OLD CRESCENT 7

JASON BYRNE

CORINTHIANS remain on track for possible promotion in the All-Ireland League as a sterling display saw them earn a well-deserved and crucial bonus point victory over Old Crescent of Limerick at Corinthian Park on Saturday.

Eyeing the bonus point from the offset in order to gain some breathing space among the other teams chasing the runner-up spot in Division 2A, they got off to a perfect start when Old Crescent’s backs were badly exposed.

Following a neat and swift move architected by scrum-half Mickey Murphy, hooker Kevin O’Byrne lay in waiting to leap over the line and send the hosts on their way. At first, it looked as if Conor Murphy’s conversion was sailing over despite the tight angle, but it just dropped short of the posts.

Nonetheless, Corinthians stretched their lead just five minutes later when Old Crescent’s lapse in concentration saw them concede a penalty for not binding correctly in the scrum and Murphy’s kick was spot on to make it 8-0.

The visitors were evidently struggling to get past the Corinthians 22, but began to show great resolve in defence and, as a result, the home team were left frustrated for the majority of the first-half.

The game lost its flow and became scrappy, with Old Crescent constantly trying to claim territory in vain, before there was a long injury stoppage when Corinthians’ openside flanker Luke Bertini suffered a suspected broken leg after turning awkwardly.

When the action resumed, Corinthians created a half-chance of doubling their try tally when Joey Merrigan rose to catch a lineout and passed to Pat Cunningham but as he darted towards the line, he was superbly tackled by John Moore.

Subsequently, Old Crescent scored a try from nowhere in their first meaningful attack as they capitalised on a rare moment of slack Corinthians concentration and Will Hanley took full advantage of the space. Paul Loughran tapped over the easiest of conversions and suddenly Corinthians’ hard first-half slog only gave them an 8-7 edge.

The second-half began just as the first, however, with Corinthians securing their second try as stalwart James Buckley was in the thick of the action to pave the way for Wayne Williams to touch down much to the relief of the home support.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.