Cork Con underdogs in bid to retain title, says Brian Hickey

Cork Constitution head coach Brian Hickey says his side are “underdogs” heading into Sunday’s Ulster Bank League final, despite the fact the defending champions are approaching their third successive Division 1A decider.

Cork Con will renew rivalries with Lansdowne after defeating Terenure College 22-15 at Lakelands Park on Saturday. Out-half Tomas Quinlan impressed again with a 17-point tally from the tee, while Munster ‘A’ back-rower Evan Mintern, who was sprung from the bench, crossed for a second-half try. The result sets up a repeat of the recent Bateman Cup final, which Lansdowne won convincingly (32-12) at Temple Hill.

Their hopes of a second successive All-Ireland double may be over, but Hickey’s troops could still make history next weekend, as they target a two-in-a-row, something which has not been achieved in the league since 2006.