Deasy Boots Munster To Narrow Win
Scott Deasy knocked over five penalties to guide Munster to a gutsy 15-14 away victory over Nottingham, a result which keeps the province on course to reach the British & Irish Cup quarter-finals in March.
Scott Deasy's place-kicking haul, which included the match winner in the 72nd minute, was enough to see Munster claim their second successive Pool B win.
James Arlidge converted a ninth minute penalty to give Nottingham the lead, having missed an earlier shot at the posts.
The Nottingham side contained New Zealand lock Ali Williams, who has signed a one-month deal with the club as he continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.
Both teams probed in attack before Munster flanker Tommy O'Donnell suffered a 22nd minute sin-binning for a deliberate knock on in midfield.
Deasy opened Munster's account, three minutes later, and as the penalty count rose and tempers flared in an isolated incident, Munster captain Billy Holland and his opposite number, Sione Kalamafoni, saw for their part in the altercation.
Munster then leaked a late try as full-back David Jackson sliced his way over following a lively counter attack. Arlidge missed the conversion, leaving it 8-3 for half-time.
Penalties from Deasy after 42 and 50 minutes saw Munster convert some pressure into points and lead for the first time. But they never really clicked in attack, and it was their defensive solidity which won this game for them in the end.
Arlidge, the former Dragons out-half, edged Nottingham back in front from a penalty, while Deasy missed the target with a drop goal attempt at the other end.
The 3,189-strong crowd watched a tense final quarter play out. Deasy replied with his fourth successful penalty, however a forward pass from the visitors invited Nottingham back on the attack and Arlidge made it 14-12.
Into the final ten minutes, it looked like one score would win it and so it proved as Cork Constitution clubman Deasy stepped up to kick Munster home.
As expected, Nottingham launched a late assault in the Munster half and Anthony Foley's side did well to hold them at bay through phase after phase, with their discipline and strong tackling coming to the fore.
Next up for Munster is a home clash with Esher at Garryowen's Dooradoyle ground next Friday (kick-off 7.30pm).