Munster U19’s Victory Over Connacht

Munster U.19’s were victorious at the Sportsgrounds in Galway on Friday with a 9-0 win over Connacht in the Interprovincial Championships.

IRFU U19 INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Connacht 0 Munster 9

Munster U.19 s are back on track after a 9-0 victory over Connacht at the Sportsgrounds on Friday.

With the teams locked on 0-0 at half time, it was all to play for, however, an excellent second half kicking display by fullback William Staunton gave the visitors the all important win. Having suffered a 20-8 defeat to Ulster in Ravenhill in last weekend s first game, the win was essential, and it puts the U19 s back on track in the inaugural competition.

The torrential weather conditions put an end to any hopes of a free flowing game, with heavy rain causing an untold number of handling errors throughout the match. The teams were well matched throughout, and although Munster created a few scoring chances, they were unable to capitalise and put points on the board. For the second half, Munster went back to basics, concentrating on exerting more control over the game. When the chances eventually came, full back William Staunton from Garryowen didn t let the side down, kicking a penalty after 45 minutes, a drop goal 15 minutes later, and finishing off the socring with a penalty kicked at 65 minutes. Despite Connacht gaining good possession in the second half and putting pressure on the visitors, Munster kept them scoreless, and secured the win.

Munster have just one game left in the Championship, with a home tie against Leinster due to be played in Thomond Park next Friday night.

NOTES:

Munster U19 s:

The IRFU U19 Interprovincial Championship has been introduced to promote player involvement in that age group and to improve the numbers in the pool of players to select for Munster U.21 s and Ireland U.21 s.

Munster U.19 s are coached by Sunday s Well Head Coach Tommy Crowe. He is assisted by UCC s Conor Twomey and former Munster back Killian Keane. Tipperary man Tom Casey manages the side.

The 24-strong Munster U.19 squad includes players from thirteen clubs and colleges all over Munster. Garryowen FC has four players on the squad, with Sunday s Well having three representatives. Bruff, Clonakilty, Rockwell College, Cork Constitution and Shannon each have two players, with one each from Bandon, Corinthians, Thurles, Clanwilliam, Presentation College Cork, Young Munster and Midleton. Included in the squad is backrow Tommy O Donnell from Clanwilliam RFC who was on the Irish youth team last year, and the Irish U.18 team that competed in the Four Nations in Wales. Also included is Neilus Keogh, from Bruff RFC who played with St. Munchin s last season and was also a member of the Irish U.18 team. Training began at the start of August, and the squad rotates training between Old Christians RFC and UCC in Cork and Garryowen FC in Limerick on alternate weeks.

MUNSTER U19 s v CONNACHT

15. William Staunton (Garryowen FC), 14. Shane O Sullivan (Sunday s Well RFC), 13. Peter Broughan (Midleton RFC), 12. Michael Kinsella (Shannon RFC), 11. Patrick Thompson, 10. Alan Coughlan (Sunday s Well RFC), 9. Tony Cahill (Bruff RFC), 1. Riobaird Wilmott (Bandon RFC), 2. Neil Bourke (Cork Constitution FC), 3. Donal Murphy (Garryowen FC), 4. David Walsh (Thurles RFC), 5. Neilus Keogh (Bruff RFC), 6. Oisin Keely (Corinthians), 7. David Nathan (Cork Constitution FC), 8. Tommy O Donnell (Clanwilliam RFC)

Subs.

16. Ben Rowley (Garryowen FC), 17. Ronan O Neill (Sunday s Well RFC), 18. Conor McNamara (Garryowen FC), 19. Cillian O Neill (Clonakilty RFC), 20. Dave Barry (Young Munster RFC), 21.

Eamon Lane(Rockwell College), 22. Donal Collins (Rockwell College)