LANSDOWNE 13 CORK CONSTITUTION 15, Aviva Stadium back pitch
Scorers: Lansdowne: Tries: Eoghan Quinn, Mark Roche; Pen: Scott Deasy
Cork Constitution: Tries: Aaron Spring, Tomas Quinlan; Con: Tomas Quinlan; Pen: Tomas Quinlan
HT: Lansdowne 3 Cork Constitution 7
Cork Constitution’s quest for a home draw in the upcoming Ulster Bank League play-offs remains alive after today’s tight 15-13 triumph over dethroned champions Lansdowne.
Results on Friday night ensured that Brian Hickey’s men will finish the regular season in the top four of Division 1A, and although they were made to work for this away victory over the headquarters club, a 10-point salvo from in-form full-back Tomas Quinlan helped them take the spoils.
The deadlock remained unbroken in wet conditions until the 26th minute. With centre Niall Kenneally having almost powered his way over, a five-metre scrum from Cork Con led to right winger Aaron Spring crashing in under the posts.
Quinlan added the routine conversion, but former Con favourite Scott Deasy, now the Lansdowne captain, opened the hosts’ account with a penalty just before half-time.
Indeed, with Leinster prop Peter Dooley added to their front row, Lansdowne went ahead when the fast-breaking Cian Kelleher caused the initial damage and he offloaded for winger Eoghan Quinn to squeeze over out wide, making it 8-7.
The Leesiders were quick to respond, though, with Quinlan angling over a penalty and then finishing off the visitors’ second try, following up on excellent approach work from lock Brian Hayes and out-halfDarragh Lyons.
Trailing 15-8, Lansdowne hit back with a second unconverted effort. This time flanker Tadhg Beirne’simpressive 56th-minute break provided the platform for centre Mark Roche to dot down ahead of the retreating defence.
Unfortunately for Mike Ruddock’s side, Deasy was unable to tag on the extras and draw Lansdowne level, and Constitution, with Quinlan and Lyons leading by example, stood firm for their ninth win of the league campaign.