Young Munster surge on with win over Garryowen

Young Munster 21 Garryowen 15, Tom Clifford Park

Young Munster maintained their push for Division 1 honours with a hard-earned win in the local derby at Tom Clifford Park - and they had two former Garryowen players to thank to a huge degree for the points and bragging rights.

Out-half Willie Staunton dropped an early goal for Young Munster but a splendid movement culminated with a try for Garryowen by Ian Hanly who got in at the corner midway through the half.

Declan Cusack could not convert from the touchline with a swirling breeze to further complicate the kick.

The lead lasted only a couple of minutes when Staunton struck again with a superb drop goal, but a penalty by Cusack from in front of the posts had Garryowen 8-6 in front.

With time almost up, Staunton landed a penalty to have the Cookies supporters in a happy mood at half-time though their 9-8 lead did not guarantee success by any means.

Midway into the second half another bit of magic by Staunton paved the way for the hosts' first try. A well-placed grubber kick was chased by another former Garryowen player, Andrew Burke, who gathered the ball and raced in between the posts. Staunton tapped over the conversion for a 16-8 advantage.

And in typical manner Garryowen came back and again a movement involving several players was finished by Alan Gaughan who touched down in the corner. With a superb kick, Cusack converted to leave only a point between them.

But a second try from Burke, who burst through the middle following a ruck, ensured the Cookies survived.

In a tense finish Young Munster held out and Garryowen earned a losing bonus point which they deserved for the late pressure they piled on the Young Munster defence.

Scorers: Young Munster: Tries: Andrew Burke; Con: Willie Staunton; Pen: Willie Staunton; Drops: Willie Staunton 2

Garryowen: Tries: Ian Hanly, Alan Gaughan; Con: Declan Cusack; Pen: Declan Cusack

HT: Young Munster 9 Garryowen 8