Munster A made it four wins from four in the Celtic Cup as they held off a late Cardiff Blues comeback to claim a one-point victory at the Arms Park.
Munster led 16-13 at the interval before racing into a 33-13 lead with the game entering the final 14 minutes but three late Cardiff tries made for a very nervy finish.
The well-drilled pack and boot of Johnston were vital in the victory with the visitors’ rolling maul proving extremely effective as out-half Johnston kicked three penalties.
It was that combination that led to the first score inside 10 minutes as a Munster rolling maul was dragged down and Johnston made it 3-0.
An Aled Summerhill break gave Cardiff the opportunity to respond with the experienced Steven Shingler levelling matters after a period of extended pressure.
The Blues were ahead for the first time on 23 minutes after an excellent individual try from Ethan Lewis was converted by Shingler for a 10-3 advantage to the hosts.
A 40-metre Johnston penalty five minutes later narrowed the gap to four before another long-range Johnston effort on 36 minutes reduced the gap to just a single point.
Munster A were back in front just before the break when a rolling maul was dragged down for a penalty try with Cardiff’s Sion Bennett sin-binned. Even though Shingler added his second penalty in the final play of the half, Munster led 16-13 at the interval.
A strong start to the second half saw Munster cross for their second try after 43 minutes through Sean French to make it 21-13 against 14-man Cardiff.
When Lewis Jones was shown a yellow card for Cardiff on the hour, the visitors clinically took advantage yet again going over from close-range with Keynan Knox touching down.
The bonus-point try was scored on 66 minutes as Alex McHenry ran in to make it 33-13 with the win .
Cardiff came storming back in the final 14 minutes with three tries and two conversions reducing the gap to just a single point.
Tom Williams had the chance to kick a late winner for Cardiff but the kick was short and Munster held on for a 33-32 win.
Celtic Cup Round Five
Friday, October 5
Munster A v Scarlets A, Irish Independent Park, 7.30pm;
Tickets
Entry to all three home Celtic Cup round games are free for Full and Associate members of the MRSC.
Family Pack (two Adults and two Junior): €20
Adult: €10
Junior: €5
All tickets are general admission.
