Corinthians 26
Banbridge 11
Corinthians are still holding pole position in the AIB League division three after a hard-fought win over lowly Banbridge in Corinthian Park on Saturday.
The home side, playing with the wind at their backs, started slowly against a Banbridge outfit that brought their game to the division 3 leaders. With solid driving by their pack they got themselves into the Corinthian 22 and with quick ball recycled No 8 Mathew Irvine got in at the corner flag.
Corinthians got on the scoreboard after 25 minutes with a penalty by centre Wayne Williams, and he converted two more penalties before the break. Corinthians were lucky to lead at half time with Banbridge camped on the Corinthian line, and after the break they enjoyed more fortune when Farr missed a second penalty.
The home side eventually got their act together and after replacement hooker Barry McCann collected the drop-out, he linked up with fullback Darren Claasen who made great ground before supplying Williams who scored out wide.
Although down by 14 - 5, Banbridge continued to put Corinthians under pressure with Farr successful with a penalty. However Corinthians capitalised when winger Richard Forbes intercepted and kicked up field for man of the match Sean Gerraghty to collect and touch down. Kenny Diffenthal added the conversion for a 21-8 lead.
Banbridge continued to attack, and a mix-up between Claasen and winger Dave Murphy resulted in a penalty which Farr converted. Although the visitors pressed hard, the home side defence stood firm and eventually they broke out of their own half with back rowers Rory Connelan and Aurelian Casanova and lock Seamus Murphy driving up the pitch, setting up Claasen for another try, ensuring a ninth victory from their 10 games to date.
