Mick O’Driscoll’s Munster ‘A’ got the better of the Ospreys Premiership Select side at Rosbrien tonight, making it two home wins on the bounce in the British & Irish Cup.
Leading 7-3 at half-time thanks to Matt D'Arcy's converted try in the 26th minute, Munster 'A' went on to score three second half tries and secure their first try-scoring bonus point of the campaign.
An entertaining game saw both sides move the ball at pace but Munster 'A' would have been disappointed with the scoring opportunities that they missed during the opening 40 minutes. D'Arcy, who regularly threatened with ball in hand, was the pick of the home backs along with the Johnston brothers, David and Bill.
A series of knock-ons ended promising attacking play, and although the conditions were dry for this round 3 fixture, the ball was greasy from the previous day's rainfall in Limerick.
Despite early discipline issues for the province, the visitors were unable to capitalise with their out-half Joel Matavesi missing two penalty kicks inside the opening ten minutes.
Munster 'A' were first to get on the scoreboard after captain Billy Holland offloaded brilliantly to centre D'Arcy who darted around the Ospreys Premiership Select defence for an excellent individual try. Young academy out-half Bill Johnston added the conversion.
However, further indiscipline from the hosts provided Matavesi with a third penalty chance and he made no mistake from in front of the posts, cutting the gap to four points at the break.
Better ball control in the second period saw Mick O'Driscoll's charges convert possession into points with three tries scored, and the all-important bonus point score coming in the 70th minute.
Forwards Shane Buckley, Kevin O'Byrne and Sean McCarthy all touched down for Munster 'A'. Buckley and O'Byrne both scored off dominant lineout mauls, while young Shannon lock McCarthy crossed from close range after the men in red had kept the ball in tight for a series of pick and goes.
Garryowen clubman Buckley was part of a very effective back row combination that included Sean Doyle and Jordan Coghlan, and Conor Oliver also had a solid 20 minutes off the bench.
The Ospreys PS did respond initially to Buckley's 44th-minute effort, with their number 8 Ifereimi Boladau finishing off a strong attacking spell from close range. The try went unconverted at 14-8, and Munster 'A' managed to kick on in the final quarter thanks to their clever tactics and well-executed mauling.
Bill Johnston completed a successful night from the kicking tee by converting all four tries. Munster 'A' travel for the return fixture at Brewery Field next Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Referee: Chris Ridley (England)
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