Doyle Double Helps Young Munster To Derby Win
Young Munster made the perfect start to the new Ulster Bank League campaign when they dished out a heavy defeat to their local rivals Shannon at Thomond Park.
A powerful second half display helped Young Munster to a bonus point success with Mark Doyle scoring two tries in an impressive performance.
Munster's Marcus Horan started for Shannon but a worry for him and for Rob Penney is that the veteran prop had to retire midway through the first half.
Up to Horan's departure Shannon held the upper hand in the scrums. However, they could not manage to put points on the scoreboard in a game that was streamed live by Irish Rugby TV.
Brian Haugh put Young Munster in front with a penalty after 13 minutes and out-half Gareth Quinn McDonogh dropped a goal with 24 minutes gone. He had been a Shannon player up until last season and this was his first game since returning from England.
Ben Sargent converted a Shannon penalty but the game swung in favour of Young Munster three minutes before half-time.
Following a melee – a player from each side was shown a yellow card – Young Munster were awarded a penalty. They kept the ball alive and following a scrum, outside centre Doyle sailed over.
It was all Young Munster in the second half. Haugh landed a penalty and a delightful grubber kick by Lukas Kunz sent lively new winger Dom Lespierre over. Further tries followed by Ger Flaherty from a maul and that man Doyle again.
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)