Munster Youths (U18) completed a good weekend for rugby in the province when, following on from the seniors win over Glasgow Rugby on Friday night, they won the Under 18 interprovincial championship with a 14-11 victory over Connacht in Portlaoise RFC.

In what was a closely contested game of a very high standard, Munster led 7-3 at half time, scored a second try in the second half and withstood a late Connacht surge to end up deserving winners. Munster captain David Ryan led by example and enjoyed a very impressive afternoon as did Kieran Merrigan.

Flanker Ciaran Horgan gave the eventual winners the lead with a well worked first half try which Kevin Doyle converted. Connacht responded with a penalty from Aiden Winn and the number 10 narrowed the gap to a single point (7-6) when he landed a penalty early in the second half.

However Munster showed superb resolve and stretched their lead when Niall O'Driscoll scored their second try with Doyle again adding the points. Connacht refused to cave in and marshalled by their lively number 9 Andrew O'Connell they managed a late try from Liam Casserly but that score came much too late to affect the outcome.

Munster Youths:

S Moloney, D Corcoran, K Doyle, N O Driscoll, K Merrigan, Donal Twomey, D O Donoghue, Ed Crowley, Darren Twomey, C Horgan, B Nagle, S Ryan, D Ryan, L Bannon, S Fitzgerald.

Reserves: K Griffin, A Cahill, D Corcoran