Corinthans had to be content with a losing bonus point from their trip to Belfast Harlequins on Saturday, losing by 34 - 27.
Although Corinthians were quick off the mark with a penalty from fullback Shane Mulalley, the home side took control, with left winger Matt Holmes breaking through the visitors’ defence to get a touch down in the corner which was unconverted.The home side fullback Michael Heaney sliced in for another try after 10 minutes, and Second row Neill McComb drove over for their third try after 31 minutes. They had wrapped up the bonus point before the break when Quins’ number eight Ali Heatley bagged their fourth for a 22 -3 half-time
When scrumhalf Paul Marshall slipped in for another touch down after the break, the writing was on the wall for Corinthians. However the Galway side never gave up, and captain Pat Cunningham, who broke across Quins’ line to touch down, started the fightback. Second row Gary Ward dived over for the second, and with 10 minutes remaining Darren Classen crossed for a third. With Mulally adding the extras, Corinthians continued to attack, and when Mulally added a penalty it left the sides level at 27 - 27. With a few minutes remaining Corinthians continued their assault, but Ulster lock Neil McComb intercepted and raced in for the final try, giving his side a lucky escape.
Corinthians: S Mulally, D Classens, J Buckley, C Begley, F Gormley, M O’Flynn (Murphy ), M Dolan, D Buckley, J Merrigan, B Fa’amausili (Tolan ), P Cunningham (capt ), G Ward, L Carpenter (Murphy ), S Geraghty, S Conneely.
