Cork Con edge try fest against relegation-threatened Belvedere

Cork Constitution 37 Old Belvedere 32

Cork Constitution made it back-to-back wins in the Ulster Bank League as they accounted for Old Belvedere in a free-scoring tie at Temple Hill.

Both sides scored four tries, with Old Belvedere’s two bonus points of more importance as they continue to fight relegation.

Constitution, who are out of the title race in fourth, failed to make full use of a first half wind advantage and they were only 16-10 ahead by the break.

Out-half Johnny Holland slotted a second minute penalty to get them up and running and he converted prop John Ryan’s try six minutes later.

A fine individual effort from full-back captain Daniel Riordan opened ‘Belvo’s account and after two further Holland penalties, Josh Glynn kicked one of his own to make it a six-point game.

Winger Glynn closed the gap to 16-13 but Brian Walsh’s men soon went up through the gears to hit ‘Belvo for 21 unanswered points.

Centre Niall O’Driscoll released supporting full-back Darragh Lyons for a converted try, and replacement Andrew Cudmore did likewise with Cathal O’Flaherty providing the assist.

Lyons and Alex Ryan then combined for Cork Con’s bonus point score, with centre Ryan cutting through to touch down with Holland adding his fourth conversion.

But the scoring dried up for the Leesiders and Old Belvedere came with a furious late rally, gaining momentum on the back of converted tries from back rowers Kieran O’Gorman and Jonathan Slattery.

Glynn added the extras to both and the Dubliners had the final say in injury-time as centre John Kennedy’s last-gasp try nabbed two precious bonus points for Andy Dunne’s side.

Scorers:

Cork Constitution: Tries: John Ryan, Darragh Lyons, Andrew Cudmore, Alex Ryan; Cons: Johnny Holland 4; Pens: Johnny Holland 3

Old Belvedere: Tries: Daniel Riordan, Kieran O’Gorman, Jonathan Slattery, John Kennedy; Con: Fergal Lawlor, Josh Glynn 2; Pens: Josh Glynn 2

HT: Cork Constitution 16 Old Belvedere 10