Corinthians go top thanks to bonus-point win on road

Blackrock 13

Corinthians 24

Corinthians went joint top of the Energia All-Ireland League Division Two B with a total team performance as they got the better of Blackrock in Stradbrook on Saturday afternoon.

This win was the side’s fourth on the trot since losing to Wanderers at the end of November, and with Malahide visiting Cloonacauneen tomorrow, a fifth could just see them lead on their own as Greystones face a tricky home game with Blackrock.

However, a defeat could also see them drop to fifth or even sixth given the close nature of the division as only five points separate the top six teams.

A win was always going to be important here if Corinthians were to have any ambitions of challenging for promotion at the end of the season. Blackrock had come into the game on the back of a seven-game unbeaten streak and on a near perfect sod; the large crowd had come expecting the total home performance.

However, it was not the case for them as Corinthians started brightly. With a strong breeze at their backs, it was expected that they would gain the upper hand lightly but following smart thinking from Conor Dean, his pass sent Oran McNulty through with Michael O’Reilly on his right shoulder.

O’Reilly was inches from the line when taken down, but had the smarts to shovel the ball to Conor Hayes who dealt with two defenders as he touched down. The conversion from Dean was flawless to give Corinthians an ideal start.

Following a penalty from Peter Quirke that nudged inside the post for Blackrock, the home side challenged on occasion only to be denied by some stellar defending from Corinthians. One case in point being an outstanding steal from Craig Hansberry that won his side a penalty when Blackrock threatened the Corinthians 22.

Blackrock were rattled and their case not helped by a yellow card to second row Brian Cawley soon after. Corinthians capitalised when quick line-out move ended with their second try.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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