Cork Constitution buoyed for treble bid

Old Belvedere 13 Cork Constitution 18: Brian Hayes believes Cork Constitution will be at their battle-hardened best when they renew rivalries with defending champions Clontarf in next Sunday’s Ulster Bank League Division 1A final.

The former Munster lock turned in a man-of-the-match performance as Cork Con collected a record fifth successive Bateman Cup title, overcoming a relegated Old Belvedere 18-13 in Saturday’s decider at Anglesea Road. First half tries from Liam O’Connell and Hayes and eight points from out-half Tomas Quinlan proved just enough.

“I suppose in the second half we had a few (scoring) opportunities and didn’t close them out at all. If we play like that next week against Clontarf, it’ll be a completely different result,” admitted Hayes, who is determined to avenge last May’s 28-25 defeat to ‘Tarf.