orinthians secured a fine win against Malone in Cloonacauneen Park to keep their hopes of retaining their division 2A status for another season.
Despite a bright start by the home side, the visitors eventually broke out and were immediately awarded a penalty which outhalf Josh Pentland slotted. They continued to dominate as left winger Jack McMurtry scrambled over the whitewash for an excellent touch down out wide for an 8-0 lead.
Neither side was able to take control, but Malone added to its first-half tally with a penalty after the restart to extend their lead to 11-0.
However Corinthians started the fightback when outhalf Simon Keller slotted a penalty after the Northerners collapsed their scrum, and although Malone kept the pressure on the home side with excellent defensive play, captain Colin Raftery and Donnchadh Phelan upped the ante in this must-win contest.
They were rewarded when Connacht's James Connolly controlled possession from a driving scrum, claiming a penalty try, which Keller converted. And with a few minutes remaining, Corinthians crossed for a second try when scrumhalf Greg Faherty took a quick tap penalty, releasing to hooker Pat O'Toole before replacement substitute Owen Daly scrambled over to give his side a lifeline for next season.
Corinthians: P Noone, D McDermott, D Panter, S Royal, S Biggins, S Keller, G Flaherty, A Bane, P O'Toole, A Glynn, C Raftery (capt ), D Phelan, S Connolly, M O'Connell, J Connolly. Replacements, E Fa'atua, C Joyce, A Walsh, P Long, O Daly, C Joyce.
