Young Munster claim second win over Cork Con this season
Young Munster claimed a hard fought victory at home lastSaturday as we faced Cork Constitution in Clifford Park in game eleven of theUlster Bank League.
We opened well and dominated play and possession in thefirst half. Two successful penalties from Willie Staunton in the first 25minutes had us 6-0 up. Just before half time however, Con upped their attackand breached our 22 for what was possibly their first time all half. Thatdidn’t matter to the Cork boys as they found a lapse in our defence andproceeded to get in for the only try of the game, Niall O’Driscoll getting thetouchdown which Johnny Holland converted. The visitors were ahead by a point atthe break, Young Munster 6-7 Cork Constitution.
It was a mucky, miserable wet day that had supportersshivering under umbrellas clasping their cups of tea for warmth as we facedinto the second half, with heavy rain and the chances of this being a highscoring affair looking more and more unlikely.
Willie Staunton got a penalty opportunity early in the halfwhich was to prove to be the winning point of the game. The second half may nothave provided us with scores but it certainly wasn’t lacking in drama. Therewas plenty of physicality to this game and knocks were taken on both sides; wehad Sean Duggan carried off in a stretcher in what looked like a seriousincident but we were all relieved to learn the injury was not at all as bad asit looked on the field.
Holland missed a penalty for Con in the final quarter thathad the home support spontaneously cheer with relief as we watched it go wide.Further drama was to follow as referee David Wilkinson changed a penaltydecision–which would have seen Con have a shot at goal–after having a discussionwith his assistant official Seamus Flannery on the touchline.
That was two close calls and we were still ahead withminutes to the finish but Con were in possession and we had to try to wait thisone out without letting them get the boot to the ball. Con knew exactly what todo however, and, as you would expect them to in the dying minutes, theyrecycled possession carefully, edging ever closer in our half with Gerry Hurleyfinding his position in the pocket to set up the drop goal. Eventually it came andif not for the great rush defence by our James O’Neill (Ham), Declan Bannon,Mark Doyle and Darren Gallagher the kick may well have found its way betweenthe posts – it didn’t however, and the referee blew the final whistle to finishthe game at 9-7.
Final score: Young Munster 7 – 9 Cork Constitution
Scorers: Young Munster: Willie Staunton 3 pens;
Cork Constitution: Niall O’Driscoll try, Johnny Holland con
Young Munster: Ray Moloney; Mark Doyle, Mike Kelliher,Andrew Burke, Craig O’Hanlon; Willie Staunton, Mike Prendergast; Alan Cotter,Ger Slattery, Hugh McGrath; Darren Gallagher, Sean Duggan; Liam Og Murphy,James O’Neill, Nevile Melbourne
Replacements: Ger Bourke, Ger Flaherty, Shane O’Neill, John Moroney, DeclanBannon
Cork Constitution: Sean Scanlon; Cathal Quinn, NiallO’Driscoll, Ivan Dineen, Robert Clune; Johnny Holland, Duncan Williams; BrianCagney, Andrew Cudmore, John Ryan; Brian Hayes, Philip Donellan; Joe Mc Swiney,Brian O’Hara, James Ryan
Replacements: Kieran Stokes, Chris Corkery, Brendan Cuttris,Gerry Hurley, Daragh Lyons
GAME 12 – Shannon
We take on Shannon this Friday night under lights in ThomondPark in what should be a very interesting encounter given Shannon’s victorylast weekend in Dublin. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
GAME 13 – Garryowen
Young Munster take on Garryowen RFC at home in the UlsterBank League on Saturday February 18th. Why not make a day out of it and come tothe PRE-MATCH LUNCH from 1pm? €25 includes admission, 2-course lunch with wineand match programme. All are welcome. For bookings contact Brendan Collopy at086-6062606 or Fergal Deegan 086-2265692.
