Cork Con End Munsters’ Winning Start
Cork Constitution made it three wins on the trot in All-Ireland League Division 1A on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of another typically strong finish at Temple Hill.
Young Munster's unbeaten start to the season was ended by the defending champions, who fell behind to a tenth minute penalty from the visitors' in-form place-kicker Alan Kingsley.
Constitution responded with a try in the corner from lock Brian Hayes, four minutes later, but Munsters doubled their tally through the boot of Kingsley after a sustained bout of forward pressure.
A second try from Hayes, converted by winger Richie Lane, helped the hosts to a 12-6 half-time lead and Brian Walsh's men were quick out of the traps in the second half.
Munster prospect Simon Zebo skipped past two tacklers to score an excellent individual try in the 46th minute and Cork Con soon had the bonus point secured, with flanker Peter O'Mahony finishing off a back row move.
Mike Prendergast's charges rallied superbly, forcing the issue through the forwards before centre Matthew Costelloe was put through a gap for a Kingsley-converted try.
Kingsley kicked a penalty and a 20-metre drop goal, sandwiched a lone penalty from Lane, as Munsters cut the gap to 25-19.
But the Limerick side were cruelly denied a losing bonus point when an intercepted pass allowed Lane to scoot in under the posts for a final seven-pointer.
Referee: Alan Rogan (IRFU)