Munsters Maintain Winning Run Against ‘Gannon
Young Munster scored two fine tries but in the end were fortunate to scrape past Dungannon before a big crowd at Tom Clifford Park on Saturday afternoon.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, January 30
YOUNG MUNSTER 13 DUNGANNON 12, Tom Clifford Park
Scorers: Young Munster: Tries: Alan Kingsley, Matthew Costelloe; Pen: Matthew Costelloe
Dungannon: Pens: James Shiells 3; Drop: James Shiells
This AIB League Division 1B clash began brightly with both sides moving the ball about but once the opening penalty was slotted over by Dungannon out-half James Shiells, the high quality play fizzled out.
It was brightened up considerably when Young Munster had six players involved in a great move from inside their own half and Alan Kingsley raced in for a try which surprisingly he failed to convert.
Shiells too was having mixed fortunes with his place-kicking and after missing three from almost the same spot that he landed his first, he edged his side 6-5 in front with another penalty.
Just on half-time Young Munster struck for their second try when outside centre Matthew Costelloe sprinted clear after being sent away by out-half Kingsley off ruck ball.
Ten minutes into the second half, Shiells kicked a third penalty for Dungannon and he put his side in front with a drop goal after 71 minutes.
But the lead was very short lived as Kingsley landed a 40-metre penalty a minute later which proved decisive for Young Munster who might well have been surprised had Shiells not missed those three first half penalty attempts.
For their part Young Munster, who have now won seven straight league games, squandered a couple of try-scoring chances.
Kingsley also missed two penalty chances – one from in front of the posts and he also fluffed a drop goal opportunity.