Malone record a bonus point win at home against Galway Corinthians

Report compiled by George Millar

The scoreline may have flattered the home side but it was a case of a massive defensive effort from Paddy Armstrong's players that secured this bonus point win for Malone at Gibson Park.

Within 60 seconds of the kick off the hosts had opened up a 7 - 0 lead when Captain Neil Alcorn gathered the kick off to charge 30 metres towards the visitors line. He off loaded to the supporting Mark O'Connor to touch down in the right hand corner with O'Connor converting an excellent touchline conversion. Some terrific handling by the home side with backs and forwards combining should have produced further tries. O'Connor then converted a straight forward penalty to increase his sides lead to 10 - 0.

Malone indiscipline allowed Corinthians back into the game with their out half Simon Keller failing to convert two kickable penalties. Led by the dynamic back row forward Dave Cave, Malone continued to turn defence into attack with former Ulster and Connacht threequarter Mark McCrea breaking from the half way line to shake of defenders to touch down for an excellent individual unconverted try to increase the Malone lead to 15 - 0.

Corinthians continued to threaten with the home side squandering try scoring chances due to indiscipline at the breakdown. Referee John Carvill eventually lost patience with the Malone indiscipline and sin binned hooker Dan Kerr. With a 11 - 2 penalty count against the home side coach Paddy Armstrong had plenty to say as his team went into break looking comfortable but failing to increase their lead.

Malone made a number of changes with Dane Fitzpatrick, Shane Kelly and Mark McCrea replaced by Lee Barlow, Connor Spence and Kieran Joyce. Corinthians took advantage of their one man advantage to press the Malone line with their replacement out half Dave McDermott converting a penalty to reduce the home sides lead. Malone came back with a Mark O'Connor penalty to increase their lead to 18 - 3. Kieran Joyce picked up an injury that forced positional changes with Shane Kelly coming back on to the wing. Back came the Galway side with second row Sean Masterson crashing over for a try converted by McDermott to reduce the Malone lead to 18 - 10.

After good work by Josh Davidson at the breakdown Malone full back Andy Bryan's broke away to score his sides third try with O'Connor adding the points to increase their lead to 25 - 10. The crucial bonus point try came after a break by prop Lee Barlow carried play to the Corinthians try line. The ball was recycled for Barlow to claim the touch down. With Max Porter and Peter Ireland joining the action centre Michael Cartmill was forced to leave the pitch with an injury. Corinthians continued to attack the Malone twenty two with the outstanding Callum Smith intercepting a pass to run eighty metres and touch down for his sides 5th try with O'Connor converting to leave the final score 37 - 10 in favour of the home team.

Discipline was an issue particularly in the first half at the breakdown for this Malone team. With a weekend off the coaching team will be working hard to improve this area. There were many positives in this game with the Malone front five providing a solid platform. The backrow of Dave Cave, Phil Lucas and Neil Alcorn got through an enormous amount of work both in defence and attack. Backs Callum Smith and Michael Cartmill along with Andy Bryan's and Mark O'Connor impressed with several excellent line breaks.

Winger Mark O'Connor contributed 17points in a terrific all round performance. But my man of the match would have to go to Dave Cave who was impressive both in defence and attack. All twenty players made a positive contribution to this result. Well done guys.

It was a well deserved win for Malone who face three difficult games in March against Nenagh Ormond, Banbridge and Queens before completing their remaining fixtures with games against Highfield and Cashel in April.

Davy Heron's seconds recorded a an excellent 41 - 36 win at Armagh seconds on Sat.

This weekend with the return of the Six Nations we have two quarter final matches in the McCrea Cup at Gibson Park before the Ireland v France game.

Malone seconds host Academy 1st xv with Grosvenor playing McCrea Cup holders Cooke on the adjoining pitch. Please come along and support the teams. All facilities will be open for supporters at the club.

On Wednesday night in the Nutty Krust Under 18 tournament at Portadown Malone play Ballymena with a 7.45PM kick off at Chambers Park. All support welcome.