Corinthians maintain their mid-table position in division two of the All Ireland League after a well-deserved 18 - 12 win against visiting Midleton in Cloonacauneen Park.
The home side, with the wind behind them, attacked at every opportunity, and after two chances went abegging, a quick ruck enabled fullback Darren Classens to supply winger Fionn Gormley who touched down in the corner for an unconverted try.
The home side continued to pin the Munster outfit back withback rows Pat Cunningham and Mick McComish driving forward. They forced the penalty which Shane Mulally converted from 30m out to extend the lead to 8 - 0.
Corinthians, however, failed to build on this early dominance, and it was Midleton’s scrumhalf Ray Smyth who slipped in behind the home side cover to open their tally, with fullback James Hitchmough adding the extras. It prompted a quick response from the home side, and after good work from the front row, it was prop Barry Fa’amausili who claimed his side’s second try, which Mulally converted.
In the deteriorating conditions, Corinthians had a difficult task in the second half. Midleton benefitted from the addition of replacement Cork hurler Diarmuid O Sullivan, and from a line-out, the pack drove forward with prop Mick Cronin getting over the try line, reducing the deficit to 15 - 12.
Corinthians, however, maintained their composure and played intelligent rucking rugby. It forced the visitors to concede a penalty which Mulally struck to help Corinthians seal a fine victory.
Corinthians: D Classens, F Gormley, C Begley, E Griffin, J Buckley, S Mulally, M Roche, D Buckley, J Merrigan, B Fa’Amausili, G Ward, S Murphy, P Cunningham, M McComish, L Carpenter.
Galwegians
In division 1B, Galwegians had to be content with a losing bonus point away to fellow strugglers Dungannon.
