Belfast Harlequins were Corinthians last stand saloon to get out of the relegation zone but alas it did not come to pass. The Corinthian outfit started brightly enough as fullback Conor Murphy slotted a penalty after flanker Donnchadh Phelan was taken out in the lineout. They extended their lead in the fifteenth minute after a excellent steal in the lineout by Ultan Dillane. The ball was grubber kicked forward for captain James Buckley to gather and scramble in for a fine touch down. The fullback added the extras to give his side a ten point lead. But that was as good as it got for the visitors even though they were assisted by a stiff breeze. Just before the break Harlequins got into the visitors twenty two in their first real attack. Corinthians were pulled for a high tackle by IRFU referee Sean Gallagher and first center Mark Beast stepped up to the plate to convert same. Some minutes later the referee called time for the oranges leaving Corinthians leading by ten points to three.
The Belfast outfit came out with all guns blazing after the break as they dominated from the off. Their outhalf Mark Kettyle grubber kicked the oval ball forward through the Corinthian cover and man of the match fullback Junior Bulumakau skated in for his first touch down. Best added the extras to make it ten points apiece. Mid way through the second half as the visitors defended well from a Quins onslaught but succumbing to same as they were penalized for killing the oval ball. Best slotted the ensuing penalty to put them in the lead by three points. It was all Quins after this set back as Best cantered in for their second touch down, he also added the extras. Corinthians were at sixes and sevens at this stage losing their shape completely. Quins extended their lead yet again as their outhalf whipped the ball out to Bulumakau. The fullback side stepped through the visitors cover for his second touchdown, again Best added the extras. Corinthians had the last say in the contest as substitute scrum half Philip Maher took a quick tap after the home side were penalized for loitering. Maher linked up with Buckley. The captain ran through the cover to touch down under the posts. Murphy added the extras as the referee blew for full time. Final result Belfast Harlequins 27 points Corinthians 17 points.
Corinthians look down and out after their twelfth loss of the season, but with mature reflection and two games remaining home to Trinity and away to UL Boh’s, you never know. Head couch Pat Cunningham and Captain James will not throw in the towel just yet. All that is required is get the players heads up and a bit of Corinthian spirit. Next outing home to Dublin University on Sat 28/3/15. Kick off 2.30pm. Venue Cloonacauneen Park.
Corinthian Team: C Murphy.D Panter.J Buckley(capt).C Begley.C Ryan.M Nakora.M Murphy.M Byrne.J Merrigan.C Hansburry.G Warde.U Dillane.D Phelan.M Kelly.J Connolly; Replacements A Glynn.A Bane.R Stanley.D Griffin.P Maher.
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