Munster A Overcome Russian Challenge

Munster A were in action last night in front of a large attendance at Nenagh RFC where they took on a Russian select winning 27-21.

The Munster A side was predominantly made up of Munster Academy, Sub Academy and Club players and featured four Munster players, Mike Prendergast, James Coughlan capt., Nick Williams and local man Donnacha Ryan.

An early penalty from Dolphin’s Barry Keeshan was followed up with the first try which came after 20 minutes when winger Mark Doyle followed up on Barry Keeshan’s kick ahead to gather a great bounce for the runaway opening try which was converted by Keeshan.

The following try came from good pressure in the scrum with a solid forward drive and a strong surge from Nick Williams and Dave Ryan allowing Munster Academy Player Dave Foley to stretch over the line.

Russia hit back on the 38th minute with a great break from the Russian winger to outstrip the cover and score under the post.  The touring side maintained the attacking momentum and quickly followed up with their second try of the evening which left the score 17-14 at halftime.

Ten minutes into the second half saw Russia infringe at the scrum and Mike Prendergast tapped a quick penalty feeding it to academy centre Murray Kinsella and then fullback Declan Cusack made a great break opening up the Russian defence before finally passing it out to sub academy player Ed Torrie who touched down in the corner. 

But a physical Russian side once again fought back and after sustained pressure on the Munster try line they eventually broke the Munster defence for a try in the 73rd minute.  The score stood at 22-21 going into the final minutes.

Munster held their nerve and the Munster youngsters finished off a fine display with a well worked try taken by Dolphin’s Dave Harty leaving the final score 27-21 to the home side. 

Overall it was a very entertaining night of rugby and for some a rare opportunity to represent their province.

Many thanks to Nenagh RFC for hosting the game.

The side featured 4 contracted players, 4 academy players, 9 sub academy players and 6 club players.

Video Highlights to follow.  Images from the game below thanks to Brendan Doyle.

Munster A: D Cusack, E Torrie, M Kinsella, G Boyland, M Doyle, B Keeshan, M Prendergast, D Ryan, S Henry, P O’Regan, D Foley, D Ryan, N Williams, B O’Mahony, J Coughlan Capt.
Replacements all used: G Slattery, J Bransfield, D Harty, R Allen, K Essex, C Sheridan, K Lynch, L O’Dea

Dolphin’s Barry Keeshan kicking a penalty

Academy player Dave Foley just makes it over the line to score the second try

Munster scrum fed in by Mike Prendergast

Nick Williams makes the yards

Munster win the lineout

Academy Player Kieran Essex on the attack

A physical battle at the break down – Mike Prendergast looks to clear the ruck