Galway Corinthians will be looking to deliver a huge performance when they take on Highfield in a battle to make the final of the Bateman Cup on Saturday in Dangan (2.30pm ).
In their first appearance in this competition.since the 2010/11 season, Corinthians’ confidence is high. Under coach Ambrose Conboy, the Galway outfit is currently leading the Energia All Ireland League division 2A. Their five wins from six ensure they are ahead of Wanderers, who, despite sharing the same points tally, have lost two fixtures.
The Bateman Cup is one of the oldest in Irish rugby - first played in 1921/22 and contested by the four provincial cup winners. And there is certainly much at stake for both outfits which have never won this prestigious competition. In its long history Corinthians were runners up on one occasion; Galwegians twice.
However, Corinthians’ current form suggests this could be the ideal time make it happen.
Confidence is high, but they will need to be at their best against their opponents. When they last met in division 2A in February 2018, Highfield were winners by 31-22 victory at Corinthian Park, while the Cork outfit has since racked up four successive wins over the Cloonacauneen side - Corinthians' last victory over the Cork side was in 2015.
Corinthians’captain Mark Boyle leads the side from the back row, and they boast some seasoned campaigners, not to mention Connacht players Billy Bohan and Fiachna Barrett, and talented youngsters in Colm de Buitlear, Joey Tierney, Mikey Yarr, Diarmuid O’Connell and captain Raymond Dufficy.
