Young Munster dug deep to see off Ballynahinch’s challenge on a 7-6 scoreline at Tom Clifford Park on Saturday. With further poor weather conditions through the week, it was a late call whether this match would be played at the Cookies’ home ground or at a back-up venue in Dooradoyle.
With their local rivals Garryowen losing in Galway, third-placed Young Munster have now opened up a nine-point lead on the Light Blues, who currently hold the fourth and final play-off place, and David Corkery's side sit just three points off the top of Division 1A.
The Cookies had to work very hard to beat the County Down outfit in Greenfields where despite the strong wind, an attritional game of rugby was fought out in ever worsening conditions.
Ballynahinch were first to have the wind at their backs and penalties by winger Chris Quinn after 4 and 24 minutes had them in front. Even though they were down to 14 men for a spell, they ferociously held onto their 6-0 advantage up to half-time.
Young Munster started the second half with the wind at their backs. Just nine minutes in and after a series of close-in scrums, the Limerick men were awarded a penalty try which out-half Gearoid Lyons converted.
The home side, who also had a player sin-binned, were unable to add to their tally in what turned out to be a real dogfight, fought in good spirit to the bitter end as 'Hinch consistently tried to broach a dogged Cookies defence.
Ballynahinch head coach Derek Suffern was very complimentary of his players and was delighted with how well they had played in very difficult conditions and particularly how close they had come to defeating one of the play-off contenders.
Referee: Mark Patton (IRFU)
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