Cookies Battle Past Bohs For Derby Success
A superb try from winger Darragh O’Neill, who raced over from his own 22, was the highlight of Young Munster’s derby win over UL Bohemians at Thomond Park on Friday.
The move involved several players before Darragh O'Neill gained possession and he beat off three would-be tacklers for the try under the posts – his second in as many Division 1A games.
The conversion by Brian Haugh had Young Munster 7-5 in front with 31 minutes played.
UL Bohemians had taken the lead after eleven minutes. Munster’s Tommy O'Donnell blocked down a clearance from Gareth Quinn McDonogh and won the race for the touchdown to get the hosts off to a satisfying start.
But Young Munster paid the price for indiscipline when JJ Hanrahan landed penalties after 34 and 37 minutes. His radar was back on track after missing two earlier efforts, including one that struck the post.
Just on the half-time whistle, scrum half Haugh was on target for Young Munster to leave it 11-10 in favour of the home side at the interval. It was a strong finish to the half from the Cookies despite losing centre Johne Murphy to the sin-bin.
Mike Prendergast’s men were back in front three minutes into the second half when Haugh landed a penalty and he fired over his third 12 minutes later.
Bohs were unable to breach the Cookies’ grizzled defence and they had to settle for a losing bonus point with Hanrahan splitting the posts in the closing stages.
The Munster starlet sent a drop goal attempt wide of the uprights as UL tried to push for victory, but Munsters held firm to secure their first win three league games.
They are now up to fourth in the standings ahead of another Limerick derby next weekend – a mouth-watering clash with second-placed Garryowen.
Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU)