Young Munster Gain Further Momentum In Greenfields

Resurgent Young Munster made it two victories on the bounce as they beat in-form Old Belvedere 20-18 in a cracking contest at Tom Clifford Park.

With new head coach David Corkery now installed for the rest of the season, the Cookies stormed out of the blocks thanks to a third minute try from winger James O'Connor.

They led 15-11 at the break, with Ireland Sevens international Gearoid Lyons kicking a penalty and converting Dan Goggin's excellent try. The home fans gave their biggest cheer of the day as Lyons gathered his own box kick to send supporting centre Goggin over.

However, at times it seemed as if former Munsters star Willie Staunton had come back to haunt the hosts for Halloween. He kicked two long range penalties and 'Belvo struck a timely blow approaching the interval with a Daniel Riordan five-pointer.

Into the second half, replacement Michael Vaughan gave Munsters some breathing space with a try in the corner, a powerful maul doing the initial damage. A penalty try for a high tackle, which Staunton converted, set up a tense finish but the Cookies dug deep to prevail by two points.

New Munsters boss Corkery was delighted with the fighting spirit shown by the players in seeing out the result. More of the same will be required when they host his old club Cork Constitution next Saturday.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Corkery said: “My aim is to help make this place a fortress once again. I have never come and played here without leaving sore and that's the way it should be.

“I only had a minor input on Saturday. It was down to (director of rugby) John Staunton and also Ian Keatley and Conor McPhillips, who have been helping with the backs, and it certainly was a fantastic start for me.”

He added: “Obviously I'm only a blow-in for now. I'm no longer involved with Con for a variety of reasons – and guess who we meet here next week?! It's Con, of course. Will it be a little embarrassing for me after all my years there? Not on your life.

“I'm with Munsters now. Every club I've been associated with, I've always worn their shirt with pride and this will be no different.”

Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU)