Within ten minutes of game seven in the Ulster Bank Leaguelast weekend, Young Munster had six points up on Cork Constitution in TempleHill thanks to the boot of William Staunton. Not only that, but Andrew Burkehad come close to scoring a try, and Con had their wing forward BrendanCuttriss sent off for a strike against Liam Og Murphy following a punishing,dominant scrum by the Limerick pack.
Mike Prendergast and John Broderick couldn’t have scripted abetter start for the visiting side as we went seeking our fifth win in a row toensure we remained top of the table going into the Christmas break.
Hurley got one back for Con on 15 minutes bringing it to 3-6and Willie had an attempt 45m out drift right of the posts five minutes later.
Our scrum continued to dominate throughout allowing us tosetup our attack and continue to repeatedly press their line. While oneset-piece proved an awesome artillery for us however, the other was perhaps theweakest part of our game on the day. Neither side was having a great day in thelineout and this is one area that Forwards Coach John Broderick will surelyfocus on in the December training sessions.
The first try of the game came on the half hour mark with amaul off our lineout on their 5m line. There was no stopping the momentum ofthe pack as they powered over. The eventual touchdown was credited to flankerLiam Og Murphy. Willie Staunton converted to take the score to 3-13.
Con responded with an immediate attack which might haveproved fateful but for an important tackle by Aaron Carroll in our 22. Aaron isjust back from injury with this his first game in the Ulster Bank League and itwas great to see him back on form and playing some great rugby.
Con did get another score in before half-time with Hollandlanding a drop goal in front of the posts but before the whistle Willie optedto attempt a penalty on the right touchline 40m out which he landed to leavethe score at 6-16 going into the break.
As the clouds parted for the second half, the sun decided tomake a timely appearance glaring right into our boys’ eyes. This wasn’t toquell our hunger however, as we continued to apply immense pressure in thescrum. It was this pressure that led to the next score, as, ten minutes intothe second half, Con collapsed the first of a series of scrums on their 5mline. At the third infringement Referee George Clancy put his whistle to hislips and made for the posts to call the penalty try. A momentous moment for ourpack in Temple Hill and they certainly deserved it. Andrew Burke converted forus this time to bring the score to 6-23.
Our confidence was high now but we had a lot of work yet todo with a half hour still left to play. Willie had a penalty edge to the rightand wide five minutes later, and Con got one back soon after to bring the scoreto 9-23.
We had some great play in the following quarter with NevilleMelbourne getting a great steal at the lineout, and both Andrew Burke and WillieStaunton kicking great out of hand.
In the 77th minute of the game however, our defence– which is the best in the league this season – somehow opened up for Concentre Niall O’Driscoll and he ran in a try from 50 metres with Hurleyconverting to recover a losing bonus point for the Cork side. Our boys won’t behappy they let that one in having held solid throughout.
We now remain top of the table going into the Christmasbreak with four points clear of second place Clontarf. Our next fixture in theLeague is at home to St.Mary’s College on January 7th. Mary’s have climbed tothird position in the table so will be keen to take points in this encounterbut our boys will hope to start 2012 on the same winning form we have ended2011.
Final Score: Cork Con 16 – 23 Young Munster
Team: Ray Moloney, Aaron Carroll, Matthew Costelloe, AndrewBurke, Darragh O’Neill, Willie Staunton, Mike Prendergast. Ger Flaherty, GerSlattery (Capt.), Alan Cotter, Darren Gallagher, Shane O’Neill, Liam Og Murphy,Shane Hassett, Neville Melbourne.
Replacements (all used):
Ger Bourke, Hugh McGrath, Sean Duggan, James O’Neill, BrianHaugh
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Charity Cup Final & Young Munster Christmas Party
The Limerick Charity Cup Final v Shannon has been fixed forFriday December 16th in Dooradoyle. Following the match, the Young MunsterChristmas Party will take place in the Clubhouse with live music, raffle andmore. Open invitation to players, friends and supporters. No cover charge. Allare invited. A limited shuttle bus from Martin’s Coaches will be in operationfrom Dooradoyle to Tom Clifford Park after the game for those who wish to leavethe car at home and join us in a festive night to toast 2011.
