Corinthians secured an excellent win against Queens University on Saturday afternoon in Belfast winning by twenty one points to seven. The visitors were on the score board early in the contest after IRFU Referee Helen O’Reily penalised the students for loitering. Corinthians out half Simon Keller was on the button from outside the twenty two. This was a great start for the Connaught side but it took them some time before they could extend their lead. Both packs were still trying to gain dominance as the referee endeavored to control the contest which was played at pace. Eventually the Corinthians pack started to dominate as they attacked the Queen’s line. After two attempts they drove over the opposition’s try line with the home pack all over the shop. The referee had no option but to award a penalty try. Keller slotted the extras to give his side a ten point lead. The students got stuck in after this set back and attacked from every angle. But player coach Ene Fa’atau had his charges spot on as they contained the Northerner’s assault. Queen’s had an opportunity just before the break as the visitors were penalised for infringing, but their out half Andy Wright was unable to convert as the referee blew for the oranges leaving the visitors leading by ten points to nil.
The students attempted to up their game after the break but over exuberance caught them out as lock Donnchadh Phelan intercepted the oval and made great ground into the home side twenty two. The students were penalised for fouling the lock and Keller had no problem in extending their lead. Well into the third quarter we saw the try of the season as fullback Dave Panter came into the line after a turn over to the visitors. Panter released to right winger Owen Daly. The winger whipped the oval to second center James Buckley he in turn released to out half Simon Keller. Keller made some ground and then whipped same back to Buckley. The veteran made no mistake grounding the ball in the corner. Keller was unable to add the extras. Some minutes later with the traveling supporters on a high Corinthians were awarded a penalty on the home side twenty two. Keller slotted same given them a twenty one point lead. Queens had the last say in the contest as their number eight Chris McKee scooted in under the posts for a consolation score. Wright added the extras as Miss O’ Reily called for full time.
Final score Queens 7. Corinthians 21.
Corinthian Team; D Panter.S Biggins.J Buckley.S Royal.O Daly.S Keller.G Flaherty.A Bane.P O’Toole.A Glynn.D Phelan.C Raftery.(capt).S Connolly.M O’Connell.E Fa’atau.
Replacements;A Walsh.C Joyce.J Campbell.P Long.M O’Toole.
Reminder that we are having a special 20 year sponsorship celebration this Friday @ 8 Pm in Busker Brownes. Buskers have been associated with our great club for many years and are official sponsors for the last 2 decades. We would ask all club members to attend for some finger food, stories and a few drinks from 8pm this friday.
“So Run That You May Win”
