Young Munster Bounce Back With Hard-Earned Home Win
Young Munster put last Saturday’s nightmare result at Terenure behind them by overcoming Old Belvedere 26-19 in a thrilling Division 1A contest at Tom Clifford Park.
Both sides had a player sin-binned at different stages and the lead changed hands a number of times after the Cookies turned around 10-8 to the good. Full-back Ben Martin was the star man with a 21-point contribution, including six successful kicks at goal.
Daniel Riordan ensured Old Belvedere got off to a flying start, racing through to touch down in the third minute after he had kicked over the defence.
Riordan's opposite number Martin responded with a penalty but, in the 27th minute, a penalty from Josh Glynn made it 8-3 after Munsters scrum half Rob Guerin was yellow carded.
The former Shannon player was no sooner back in the action when Martin crossed for the Cookies' opening try. Number 8 Yasin Browne stole a 'Belvo lineout and the full-back was on hand to touch down and his own conversion put John Staunton's side in front at 10-8.
It took Riordan (pictured above) only two minutes of the second period to run in his second try and a Glynn penalty in the 58th minute had the Dublin 4 club 16-10 ahead.
A splendidly-taken try by left winger Derry O'Connor, which Martin converted, edged Munsters back in front – only for Glynn to land his third penalty soon after.
However, two late penalties from the outstanding Martin clinched a galvanising second league victory for the hosts who are now looking more comfortable in seventh place.
Referee: Nigel Correll (IRFU)