Third win on the trot for Corinthians
Corinthians secured their third win on the trot in Clonacauneen Park on Saturday afternoon against Skerries. The twenty seven points to nine points win does not reflect the tightness of the contest. Their was an early opportunity for the north Dublin side as their left winger Derek Keane got through the Corinthian cover but he was pulled down illegally. His out half James Faiva was just wide with the penalty. Some minutes later as the home side were defending on the twenty two meter line Corinthians number four Dave Hansberry received a serious foot injury and had to be stretchered off. This was a big blow for Dave as he was just coming back from another injury. Donnchadh Phelan came in to replace him and was not long in making his mark as the pack upped their game. Skerries were penalized some minutes later and the home side out half James Proctor went for the corner. From the resulting line out hooker Pat O’ Toole nailed the throw and the pack did the rest mauling over the try line. IRFU referee Joy Neville blew her whistle awarding the home side a penalty try after the visitors pack infringed. Outhalf James Proctor added the extras from in front of posts. Some minutes later Corinthians were penalized at the break down as they defended on their twenty two. Faiva made no mistake at his second attempt. The Tuam road outfit stretched their lead again as Skerries flanker Evan Sherlock was yellow carded for foul play. Proctor secured the penalty from the oppositions ten meter line. The out half added another penalty during the sin binning to give his side a nice cushion. But fair play to the Dublin side as Faiva converted his second penalty after silly play by the home side. Corinthians lead by thirteen points to six at the break.
The visitors upped their game after the oranges as the home side started to act the maggot messing around in their own half. Corinthians right winger Darren Griffin was yellow carded as the referee stamped her authority on the contest. From the ensuing penalty the Co Dublin side decided to go for the corner but a mighty tackle by flanker James Connolly kept the visitors at bay. The home side were penalized again and Fiava decided to go for the three points which he converted leaving it a four point contest. From the Corinthian drop off the visitors go all out flashing the oval ball across their back line but first center Dave Panter was wide awake to intercept on his own twenty two. The center had a bit of work to do side stepping a few would be tacklers eventually touching down. Proctor added the extras to give the home side a bit of breathing space. Skerries never gave up but the Corinthian pack lead by captain Colin Raftery reversed an excellent scrum giving Procter time to find a mighty touch in the corner. From the resulting line out the home pack drove over the white wash. Flanker Sean Connolly claimed the touchdown. Fullback Simon Keller added the extras as the referee blew for time. Well done to head coach Ene Fa’atau and backs coach Gavin Duffy. Final score Corinthians 27.– Skerries 9.
Corinthian Team ; S Keller.D Griffin.J Buckley.D Panter.D McDermott.J Proctor.G Flaherty.M Byrne.P O’ Toole.A Glynn.D Hansberry.U Dillane.S Connolly.J Connolly.C Raftery.(capt). Replacements; A Bane.A Walsh.D Phelan.P Noone.O Daly.
Corinthians next outing is away to Naas on Saturday 7/11/15. Kick off 2.30pm. Venue. Forenaughts.
