Withworth rescues Cork Con

CORK CON once more took their eye off the ball when in a winning position at Temple Hill on Saturday.

They barely blinked and UL Bohemians took control, coming from 14 points down to lead 21-20 at the three-quarter mark.

But Constitution found a lifeline in the form of replacement Neil Withworth, whose 77th minute penalty goal steered them to a fortuitous 23-21 victory.

So, Constitution took the AIB League points and earned themselves a place in the next round of the ODM Munster Senior Cup as a bonus. UL Bohs had to take the leftovers, a league bonus point. That was scant consolation for their pressure and creativity in a magnificent third quarter.

New-look Constitution, with just one of last year’s regular back division, reeled as the visitors conjured up a succession of threatening moves behind the scrum.

Credit was also due to the smaller pack for throwing down the gauntlet to the home side.

Certainly more will be heard of this UL Bohs back row, Aidan O’Gormon, James O’Neill and particularly John Ed O’Connor.

Constitution will reflect positively on the contribution of Shane Cottrell, Shane O’Connor and Frank Cogan up front and on newcomers Andrew O’Brien and Tom Gleeson in the backs.

But undoubtedly, the more inventive back play came from the visitors, who alternated Ben Martin, Martin McPhail and Fergal Lawlor at out half, depending on their mood and field position. All that moving around certainly kept Constitution guessing.

Yet, ultimately it wasn’t enough and they will bemoan a missed penalty and drop goal in the second half before they actually snatched the lead for the first time.

Constitution appeared to be coasting at the break with a try from skipper Cogan, another from Conor Quaid who also kicked two conversions and two penalties to two from Lawlor.

Cathal Garvey finished off a fine attacking movement four minutes into the second half and Lawlor converted to narrow the gap to seven.

James O’Neill got in for a second try, before Lawlor kicked a penalty to edge his side in front.

But they were unable to sustain the effort as the game progressed and they conceded two late penalties. Withworth opted to kick for goal from one and it was enough.

It was a disappointing end after a quality performance, but Constitution coach Brian Walsh had words of consolation, saying: “They’ll give a lot of teams a hard time in the months ahead.”