Corinthians remain stranded in the Ulster Bank League division 1B relegation zone after losing to Belfast Harlequins by 27-17 on Saturday.
Corinthians had started brightly when fullback Conor Murphy opened the scoring with a penalty after flanker Donnchadh Phelan was taken out in the lineout. And the visitors extended their lead in the 15th minute from Connacht’s Ultain Dillane line-out steal. An ensuing grubber kick allowed captain James Buckley to gather and scramble in for a fine touch down, with Murphy adding the extras to give his side a 10-point lead.
However, the visitors were unable to add to their tally despite enjoying the stiff breeze, while the Harlequins grabbed a penalty just before the break to close the gap. The home side dominated from the restart and were rewarded when man of the match fullback Junior Bulumakau grabbed the first try, which centre Mark Best converted before adding a penalty midway through the half.
It was all Quins after this set back. Best cantered in for their second touch down and added the extras, before Bulumakau grabbed his second.
Although Corinthians had the last say when James Buckley ran through the cover to touch and Murphy added the extras, it was too late to stop Corinthians losing their 12th of the season. Two games remain in a bid to avoid the drop - the next at home to Dublin University on March 28.
Corinthians: C Murphy, D Panter, J Buckley (cpt ), C Begley, C Ryan, M Nakora, M Murphy, M Byrne, J Merrigan, C Hansburry, G Warde, U Dillane, D Phelan, M Kelly, J Connolly. Replacements, A Glynn, A Bane, R Stanley, D Griffin, P Maher.
