Young Munster destroy Shannon in Thomond Park

SHANNON 3 YOUNG MUNSTER 36

Young Munster made the perfect start to the new Ulster Bank League campaign when they dished out a heavy defeat to their local rivals Shannon at Thomond Park.

A powerful second-half display helped them to a bonus point success with Mark Doyle scoring two tries in an impressive performance.

Munster's Marcus Horan started for Shannon but a worry for him and for Rob Penney is that the veteran prop had to retire midway through the first half.

Up to his departure Shannon held the upper hand in the scrums but they could not manage to put points on the scoreboard in wet and windy conditions.

Brian Haugh put Young Munster in front with a penalty after 13 minutes and out-half Garreth Quinn McDonogh dropped a goal after 24 minutes. He had been a Shannon player up until last season and this was his first game since returning from England.

Ben Sergeant converted a Shannon penalty but the game swung in favour of Young Munster three minutes before half-time.

Following a melee - a player from each side was shown a yellow card - Young Munster were awarded a penalty. They kept the ball alive and following a scrum, outside centre Doyle sailed over.

It was all Young Munster in the second half. Haugh landed a penalty and a delightful grubber kick by Lucas Kunz sent lively winger Don Lespierre over. Further tries followed by Ger Flaherty from a maul and Doyle again.

Scorers: Shannon: Pen: Ben Sergeant

Young Munster: Tries: Mark Doyle 2, Dom Lespierre, Ger Flaherty; Cons: Brian Haugh 2; Pens: Brian Haugh 3; Drop: Gareth Quinn McDonogh

HT: Shannon 3 Young Munster 11