Junior Interpro. – Munster v Connacht – Match Report
Munster (17) – Connacht (19)
A very entertaining game in Killarney resulted in disappointment for the Munster Junior Team, as a last minute try gave Connacht a 19-17 win, in the first game of this year’s Junior Interprovincial Championship.
Munster opened the scoring in the first half with a try by Richmond’s Keelan Stephenson, duly converted by his club mate Tadhg Bennett.
Connacht levelled the score shortly after with a converted try of their own.
Munster regained the lead before half time, courtesy of a short range try by Kevin Kinnane of Kilfeacle, again converted by Bennett.
Half time score was 14-7 in favour of the Munster Junior Team.
Early in the second half, a period of sustained pressure in the Connacht ‘22’ resulted in a penalty opportunity for Munster in front of the Connacht posts, however the opportunity to extend their lead further was surprisingly turned down by the Munster men.
It proved to be a costly decision, as the ensuing turnover led to a breakaway try by Connacht that was duly converted to level the score at 14 points apiece.
The sin binning of a Munster player for a high tackle, led to a period of dominance by Connacht. However, a good defensive effort by the 14 men in Red meant that no scores were conceded in that 10 minute period.
Munster regained the lead with a further penalty, and looked set to claim a 17-14 win, until a well worked try by Connacht’s right winger deep into injury time resulted in a 2 point win for the Western province.
Clanwilliam’s two starters in the forwards, Brian Kissane and Darragh Crowe, were prominent throughout the game and can feel proud of their efforts.
Niall Leahy is also part of the squad and we hope to see Niall getting game time in the remaining fixtures against Ulster and Leinster in the coming weeks.
Our neighbouring clubs, Kilfeacle and Galbally, were represented on the starting XV by Kevin Kinnane & Paddy ‘Panda’ O’Donoghue respectively, with The Hill’s Ricky Whitney also to the fore when he entered the fray as replacement hooker in the second half.
Whilst the result was disappointing, the game was a great advert for Junior Rugby as the standard of play from both teams was very high. All in Clanwilliam can be proud of the contribution of Brian & Darragh on the day.
Brian, Darragh, Niall and all involved with the Munster Junior Team would welcome your support at their upcoming fixtures.
Saturday 30th April – Munster v Ulster, Tralee RFC, 2:30pmSaturday 7th May – Leinster v Munster, New Ross RFC, 2:30pm