or the second week in succession, Corinthians secured an excellent win to ensure division 2A status next season.
In the relegation zone most of the season, Corinthians produced two winning performances to overtake Skerries in the Ulster Bank League.
In their final league fixture on Saturday, the Galway city side secured a 21-7 win over a Queen's University outfit with nothing at stake.
When Helen O'Reily, Ireland's first top level referee, penalised the students for loitering, Corinthians' outhalf Simon Keller opened the visitors' account. Although it took some time before they could extend their lead, eventually the Corinthians pack made their dominance count with a penalty try, with Keller adding the extras for a 10-0 lead.
The students went unrewarded for their efforts when outhalf Andy Wright missed a penalty and worse followed after the break. Corinthians' lock Donnchadh Phelan intercepted a loose pass, and after making ground into the 22, the students were penalised for fouling, and Keller extended the lead.
Corinthians then produced their try of the season when fullback Dave Panter came into the line after a turnover. Good passing from Panter, Owen Daly, and James Buckley, released Keller, who after making ground found the supporting Buckley, who made no mistake when grounding the ball in the corner. Some minutes later Keller added another penalty for a 21-0 lead. Queen's only consolation was a late try from No 8 Chris McKee.
Corinthians: D Panter, S Biggins, J Buckley, S Royal, O Daly, S Keller, G Flaherty, A Bane, P O'Toole, A Glynn, D Phelan, C Raftery, (capt ), S Connolly, M O'Connell, E Fa'atau. Replacements, A Walsh, C Joyce, J Campbell, P Long, M O'Toole.
