MunsterToo Good For Ospreys.

Prior to Saturday’s clash with Munster, the last time Ospreys lost a Celtic League game was in December 2004. On that occasion it was Munster who inflicted the defeat and again it was at Musgrave Park

Prior to Saturday’s clash with Munster, the last time Ospreys lost a Celtic League game was in December 2004. On that occasion it was Munster who inflicted the defeat and again it was at Musgrave Park.

On Saturday the crowd – in the region of 5000 – saw a vastly improved performance from what was served up in Thomond Prk a week previous, but there was a much better atmosphere in Musgrave Park on Saturday and the players seemed to respond to the entusiasm from the terraces.

The foundations of this impressive 37-10 win were set in the opening half when man of the match Anthony Horgan scored two cracking tries and created a third for John Kelly all in the space of eight minutes. Paul Burke converted all three and tagged on two penalties to leave his side 27-3 up at the interval by which stage there was no way back for the visitors.

Burke landed a sixth successful kick two minutes after the restart as Ospreys responded to Munster pressure by conceding penalties and although we had to wait until the 69th minute for the bonus-point try Munster’s control was such that they had Ospreys corralled inside their own 22 for most of the half.

While no-one could quibble with his receipt of the man of the match award, Horgan must have been close pressed by David Wallace who was outstanding throughout while Marcus Horan, Federico Pucciariello and locks Mick O’Driscoll and Trevor Hogan also enjoyed stand-out matches.

John Kelly continues to show impressive form, Trevor Halstead looks to be a very astute signing and once again Shaun Payne never put a foot wrong. Those outside backs benefitted from the forward generated quick ruck ball and an authoratitive display from the half-back Peter Stringer and Paul Burke.

The ploy of using Denis Leamy in the centre didn’t look at all outrageous and itwouldn’t surpriseto see the Cashel man back there in future games.

All in all a most satisfactory ahead of their first away game in the League, Munster travelling to Glasgow next. (Sat).