Corinthians produced a solid team effort against struggling Buccaneers to remain in the top quarter of the Connacht Junior League division 1A table with a 37 - 10 victory at Corinthian Park on Sunday.
In perfect conditions both teams relished the physical encounters, with Buccs dangerous around the fringes and Corinthians finding space wider out.
Buccaneers took an early lead after a good drive up the middle which saw Corinthians infringe at the breakdown. However the three-point cushion did not stand for long when Mark O’Boyle put winger Kieran Dolan into a gap and from the ensuring ruck Barry McCann scored. Corinthians added a penalty and then a try from Cian Begley with Tony Hall adding the conversion.
Buccs responded with a try, but when McCann crossed the whitewash again, he gave Corinthians a 12-point lead at the break.
Some ill discipline at the breakdown led to two yellow cards for Corinthians, but Buccs were unable to take advantage. When Tony Hall banged over a drop goal and Cian Begley added a fourth try, the match was over as a contest. Corinthians added a fifth try when the quick- thinking Shane Considine gave Kieran Dolan some room out wide where he dotted down for his sixth try of the season.
•Next week Corinthians take on last year’s Connacht Junior League winners Monivea in what promises to be a hard-fought battle at the top of the table, while Corinthian’s Junior 2 team take on Loughrea at home in Corinthian Park on Sunday. (Kick off 2.30pm ). Corinthians’ u-20s take on Garryowen, also at home, on Saturday (2.30pm ).
•Connacht rugby fixtures (all games 2.30pm unless otherwise stated ): Sunday, Junior League division 1A, OLBC v Westport; Ballina v Buccaneers; Corinthians v Monivea; Creggs v Castlebar; Loughrea v Tuam; Sligo v Corrib; Junior League division 1B, Ballinasloe v Westport; UCG v Gort; Portumna v Dunmore; Connemara v Ballinrobe; Carrick v Ballyhaunis; Junior League division 2 North section, Creggs v Castlebar (1pm ); Ballina v Corrib; Sligo v Westport; Junior League Division 2 south section, Buccaneers v Galwegians; Corinthians v Loughrea ; Monivea v West Offaly Lions.
• Two former Galwegian rugby players featured in the international game between the New Zealand Heartland XV and the Pacific Coast in the USA recently. Both Robbie Shaw and Alipate Tuilevaka were on the Heartland team that lost 21-5,
•To cater for the late kick off in the Ireland v New Zealand Rugby match at Croke Park on Saturdy week, Iarnród Éireann is operating an additional train from Heuston Station at 8.50pm. Intending passengers will be able to travel on a range of regular services from Galway at 7.15hrs, 9.15hrs or 10.50hrs, and return on this additional train. Booking is now available at irishrail.ie or at local Iarnród Éireannstation.
• Buccaneers came from behind three times to record a fully merited 20-18 AIB Cup victory over league leaders Clontarf in an entertaining and exciting game played in ideal conditions at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday. Connacht’s Conor O’Loughlin made a welcome return to action for Buccaneers, having been out all season with a hip injury. Galwegians’ match against Highfield was postponed until November 22. Buccaneers will now play fellow division one outfit UL Bohemians in round three, while Galwegians, if they progress, enjoy a less formidable challenge and face the winners of Nenagh Ormond v Barnhall. The third round is due to take place on the weekend of January 10.
