Corinthians put down a strong marker in their opening All Ireland League division 2a fixture with a comprehensive 33-15 victory over Del La Salle Palmerston at Cloonacauneen Park on Saturday.
The home side ran in five tries to grab a bonus point on their opening day and now look forward to their next outing against Queens University on Saturday.
Despite missing two early penalties, Corinthians, with the wind at their backs, looked the livelier, particularly out wide. After 15 minutes captain Finn Gormley supplied centre James Buckley who scored under the posts for the opening try, with fullback Mick O’Flynn converting.
The home side maintained the momentum and, after 30 minutes, winger Eoin Daly broke through their defence to slip the ball to hooker Kevin O’Byrne who grabbed try No 2. Winger Aengus O’Connell supplied Buckley for his second try just before the break as the home side led 21-0 at half time.
Del La Salle responded within four minutes of the restart when hooker Emmey O’Reilly who crossed out wide from a backrow move. However the Corinthian pack took over with Ireland u-20 flanker Aaron Conneely cuting through the defence to touchdown out wide for their fourth try which was unconverted.
Although DLSP grabbed a second try from winger Ian O’Connor and Burke kicked a penalty after Finlay Bealham was sinbinned, that was as good as it got for the visitors. Instead Corinthians had the final say when Buckley claimed his hat-trick for a deserved home win.
Corinthians: M O’Flynn, A O’Connell, J Buckley, F Gormley (capt ), E Daly, C Daly, C Murphy, S Bruce, F Bealham, K O’Byrne, T Toolan, M Byrne, B Murphy, A Conneely, S Gerrity, A Casanova. Subs: M Lee, U Dillane, S Burke, E Flynn, B Dixon.
