UL Bohs Provide The Opposition

Munster’s preparations for the game against New Zealand next Tuesday, thrown into disarray when Harlequins withdrew from the planned tie at The Stoop, were rescued by UL Bohemians who provided the much needed opposition last night at Thomond Park

Munster officials thought the London club would provide the ideal preparation for the encounter with New Zealand but Harlequins cancelled the day before surprisingly citing an inability to field a side. Munster team manager Shaun Payne’s club UL Bohemians agreed to the game and gave a good account of themselves despite a final scoreline of 31-12.

“It was a really good run out for us ahead of the New Zealand game and we are grateful to UL Bohs for accommodating us at such short notice, ” said Payne. ” Bohs played really well and were well in touch with ten minutes to go.”

At that stage Munster led 17-12 but two late tries gave a respectable look to the final scoreline. Doug Howlett scored twice for Munster as did Mark Melbourne with Academy player Dave Ryan scoring their fifth.

Paul Granelle and Tom Healy were the UL Bohs try scorers.

Munster didn’t escape unscathed however, with Denis Hurley picking up a knee injury and Jeremy Manning suffering a thigh strain. Hurley looks the more serious of the two but it will tomorrow before the full extent of his injury is known.  

Munster are expected to name their squad for the game against New Zealand on Friday with the final 22 announced on Monday in Limerick.

Munster.  P Warwick; D Howlett, R Tipoki, L Mafi, A Horgan; J Manning, M Prendergast; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, Tim Ryan; M O’Driscoll capt, D Ryan; J Coughlan, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements. F Sheehan, Dave Ryan, M Melbourne, B Holland, C Murray, K Lewis, Denis Hurley.