Celtic League Round-Up

Friday night’s Celtic League action saw Munster end their losing streak to
beat Connacht 39-10 in Thomond Park and Ulster defeating Leinster 28-6 keeping
them in contention for the double.

Munster 39-10 Connacht

A first-half double from David Wallace, along with skipper Anthony Foley’s
ninth-minute opener paved the way for victory over a jaded Connacht. Munster
added another three tries in the second half.

The ever-alert Foley claimed a dropping ball at a line-out to dive under Mike
Walls’ tackle for the opening try. Jeremy Staunton clipped the conversion wide
but moved the visitors 8-0 in front from a 28-metre penalty on 23 minutes. Munster
rounded off a 20-point first half against 14 men, following prop Dan McFarland’s
sin-binning, wth Wallace going over for two tries.

Eric Elwood scored for a penalty Connacht on 52 minutes and five minutes later,
down to 13 men with number eight John O’Sullivan sin-binned for going over the
top, a slick maul saw referee Hugh Watkins award the penalty try. But Munster
pulled away on the hour mark as Jason Holland went under the posts on 67 minutes.

Pusey had enough brute strength to clamber over in the right corner past McPhillips
five minutes later and Cullen completed a double for the hosts over Connacht
this season as he ended a fine 40-metre move with his first try and convert
with four minutes remaining.

Full Details at: www.munsterrugby.ie
& www.connachtrugby.ie

Ulster 28-6 Leinster

Ulster winger Tyrone Howe scored the only two tries of the first half to secure
an 18-6 interval lead. Flyhalf David Humphreys got a third try in the second
period.

But Ulster could not get a fourth try which would have earned a precious bonus
point. It means they are joined at the top of the league by Gwent Dragons with
Llanelli three point behind with a game in hand. The Dragons finish with an
away game against Leinster which has been switched from Donnybrook to Lansdowne
Road.

Full Details at: www.ulsterrugby.ie
& www.leinsterrugby.ie