Garryowen lick their wounds after high-octane tie

Young Munster 23 Garryowen 18

Two major dust-ups, the first of which was after just two minutes, indicated the intensity of this crucial battle between two great local rivals at Tom Clifford Park.

There was a huge amount riding on this final game of the regulation season. Young Munster were eyeing up the third semi-final spot in Division 1A and Garryowen were hoping to avoid finishing bottom of the table and a promotion/relegation play-off.

The second melee between the players saw Young Munster captain Ger Slattery and key Garryowen back rower Paul Neville sent to the sin-bin by referee Olly Hodges.

In terms of the rugby, Garryowen managed to break into a 12-0 lead by half-time. Munster's Declan Cusack popped over penalties after 7, 36 and 40 minutes and also struck a 32nd minute drop goal.

But Young Munster, fired up by Mike Prendergast's half-time words, came out a transformed team in the second half. They made immediate in-roads thanks to a penalty from Alan Kingsley and then a try, moments later, from winger Craig O'Hanlon.

Scrum half Kingsley landed the conversion and another penalty to edge the home side in front at 13-12. It was up to the Light Blues to respond and they did, once again through the boot of Cusack.

Nevertheless, Munsters were carrying more of a try-scoring threat and a touchdown from powerful centre Matthew Costelloe, which Kingsley converted, settle their nerves.

Out-half Willie Staunton tagged on a drop goal for the Cookies and although Cusack responded with his fifth penalty success, Young Munster deserved their win.

It was a vital victory for Prendergast's charges who have leapfrogged above St. Mary's College in the table, and gain that semi-final place. They will travel to defending champions Cork Constitution in the last-four, a side they beat 6-3 at home in February.

For Garryowen, they must lick their wounds before contemplating next weekend's decisive play-off against Buccaneers, who finished third in Division 1B. The winners will join the ten-team Division 1A for next season.

Scorers: Young Munster: Tries: Matthew Costelloe, Craig O’Hanlon; Cons: Alan Kingsley 2; Pens: Alan Kingsley 2; Drop: Willie Staunton

Garryowen: Pens: Declan Cusack 5; Drop: Declan Cusack