Staunton penalty proves winner for Young Munster

Young Munster 9 Cork Constitution 7, Tom Clifford Park

Young Munster out-half Willie Staunton was once again the match winner as the Cookies survived some late drama to beat Cork Constitution at Tom Clifford Park.

Two successful kicks inside 26 minutes had Munsters 6-0 in front. But, in one of their rare incursions inside the Young Munster 22, Cork Con's Niall O'Driscoll nipped in for his sixth try of the season which out-half Johnny Holland converted.

An early second half penalty by Staunton proved to be the match-winning score in the end. Munsters were left hanging on though as Cork Con created several phases of play in the dying minutes.

The visitors' efforts culminated with a drop goal effort by Holland which went wide of the target and the Limerick outfit were left celebrating a famous season's double over Constitution.

Young Munsters' second league victory on the trot keeps them within striking distance of the leaders, sitting in third place just four points behind pacesetter St. Mary's.

The defeat puts quite a dent in Constitution's own title challenge - they lie fifth overall, 11 points off top spot, with Blackrock their visitors next weekend.

Scorers: Young Munster: Pens: Willie Staunton 3

Cork Constitution: Try: Niall O’Driscoll; Con: Johnny Holland

HT: Young Munster 6 Cork Constitution 7