Munster battle back in singles to force draw with Leinster

REVITALISED Munster staged a dramatic fight back in the afternoon singles to force a tie with Leinster on the second day of the Golfsure Inteprovincial Championship at Douglas yesterday. Nevertheless, the stage is still set today for a showdown between Leinster and Ulster, who had a comfortable victory over Connacht and go into the decider with a 100% record.

A fine, calm day on the beautifully manicured Douglas lay-out began with the morning foursomes. Based on the evidence of the opening day’s play, it was little surprise Leinster got the better of a Munster side anxious to demonstrate they weren’t as soft a touch as they appeared to be when demolished by Ulster on the previous day. Karl Bornemann and Eamon Haugh clicked again in a fine contest with South of Ireland champion Robbie Cannon and Des Morgan that ended all square after 18 holes.

Things were also looking extremely promising for the home side in the second foursome when Pat Murray and Gary O’Flaherty got off to a flyer against James Monaghan and Andrew Hogan and stood four up at the turn. At that point, Leinster’s wily captain, the experienced Barry Reddan, quietly pointed out to his youthful duo that “if you can lose four holes, you can win four as well”.