Munster ‘A’ Complete Back-To-Back Wins Over Titans

Munster ‘A’ scored five tries in completing back-to-back British & Irish Cup wins over Rotherham Titans at Ennis RFC this afternoon.

A Steve Crosbie penalty got Munster 'A' off the mark on nine minutes before Rotherham's Caolan Ryan levelled off the tee just five minutes later. That, however, proved to be Titans' only score of the game as they ensured a long afternoon in Ennis at hands of the Munstermen.

Despite losing flanker Gavin Coombes to a yellow card, the province pushed on with prop Peter McCabe crossing in the right corner. Te Aihe Toma, who was a prominent figure in both games at scrum half, got the plaudits for his play in the build-up to the try.

Toma's half-back partner Crosbie sent the conversion to the left and wide and he also missed a 35th minute penalty, however Munster 'A' took a 15-3 into the break thanks to a converted effort from centre Sam Arnold.

The hosts lost influential number 8 Robin Copeland to injury but their bench, including fit-again back rower Dave O'Callaghan, ensured that the points kept coming for Peter Malone's side.

Academy back rower Gavin Coombes, part of a red-shirted pack that continually outmuscled their opponents, opened the scoring in the second half, six minutes in. The 19-year-old's try was followed by a converted effort from Crosbie in the 55th minute.

The icing on the cake was a fifth try of the afternoon, good hands from O'Callaghan and second row Darren O'Shea helping to set up Academy prop Rory Burke for the final seven-pointer from close range.

Munster 'A' continue to top Pool 2 and resume their British & Irish Cup campaign away to Doncaster Knights on Saturday, January 7, before bringing the return fixture to Bandon RFC on Friday, January 13 (kick-off 7pm).

Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)