Corinthians have hosted some big matches already this season - not least against Shannon and neighbours Buccaneers - but Terenure currently represent a different threat when they visit Cloonacauneen on Saturday (2.30pm ).
The Dublin outfit has maintained its No 1 spot throughout the season and, like Corinthians, Terenure are also unbeaten. Terenure are ahead by three points by virtue of a try-bonus points, and that statistic will warn Corinthians of the task ahead.
Terenure have bagged 147 tries, nine more than Corinthians, and it sets the stage for a highly competitive affair between the two top sides in division 1B.
Corinthians, now on a 16 match unbeaten run in the AIL over 13 months, will have the benefit of home advantage, and if they can continue to play their brand of rugby as directed by coach Phil Pretorious, it will provide the expectant home support with a spectacle.
Last weekend Corinthians took on UL Bohemians in Annacotty and showed character to return with another fine win.
Corinthians opened the scoring through captain Fionn Gormley, who taking over the kicking duties for the injured Sean O'Hagan, converted a penalty after 17 minutes. And they opened up a 10-point lead whe hooker John Burns intercepted a loose pass in midfield and scampered over for a touchdown. Gormley added the extras to give his side a 10-0 lead.
Bohemians, however, mauled their way into the Galway side’s 25 and were rewarded when scrumhalf Tim Rafferty fed Adrian Enright who touched down out wide for an unconverted try to close the gap to 10-5 at the break.
The home side upped their game early in the second half when the Cloonacauneen outfit were a man down. But Corinthians were let off the hook when outhalf Airey was again wide with penalty. However when Enright intercepted and flew in for a fine individual touchdown in the corner, it brought the two sides level.
Crucially, however, Gormley added a penalty from the 10m line to edge Corinthians ahead by three and with 15 minutes remaining, the visitors’ defence stayed strong in the face of a home side seige to maintain their unbeaten run.
Corinthians: D Panter, I Venter, J Buckley, F Gormley (capt ), D Classin, P Noone, M Walsh, F Bealham, J Burns, D Buckley, G Warde, M Byrne, U Dillane, C Rafferrty, D Phelan. Subs, T Toolan, R Connellan, A Walsh, D Keogh, C Murphy.
Connacht results: Heineken Junior Cup, Corrib 15 Galwegians 29; NUIG 8 Dunmore 15; Buccaneers 30 Ballyhaunis 19. Ulster Bank League div 2B, Ards 0 Sligo 30; Junior 2, Buccaneers 25 Westport 5; NUIG 10 Castlebar 14; U14 B League, Tuam 17 Oughterard 5; Schools Connacht U14 SW Regional League, St Josephs College 26 Clifden CS 12.
