Pack power proves pivotal

CORINTHIANS 13SLIGO 8

CORINTHIANS are now the most successful side in Heineken Connacht Junior Cup history after Sunday's hard-fought victory over Sligo at the Sportsground.

Their five point victory brought them a first title since 2006 and their 14th in total moving them one clear of UCG in the all-time honours list.Sligo came looking to bookend a strong season with a major honour but went away knowing some of their old failings were once again exposed.

Corinthians won the battle of the forwards in the tussle and that proved pivotal in helping them fend off a Sligo side that was arguably more creative and carried more of a spark.

This wasn't a classic but the final ten minute flourish from both sides was gripping to say the least. It was a frenetic period of end-to-end rugby as Sligo chased the game and Corinthians looked to finish it off.

From the outset, the contest appeared finely balanced. Paddy Pearson was always going to be an integral part of his side’s endeavours and he kicked Sligo three clear on ten minutes having missed his first kick at goal.

Barry O'Sullivan also missed one before he found his range, that second kick was way out on the stand touchline and brilliantly struck. Corinthians had an edge in the scrums and were mauling to good affect.

A major turning point came deep in first half injury time when Sligo were under their posts attempting to clear their lines and with Billy Leahy on the ground Peter Mullan's pass from the base was short allowing Hugh Griffin to pounce and O'Sullivan to score from the kick ahead.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.