Munster Development Win In Cork

In awful conditions Irish Independent Park hosted an absorbing challenge game this afternoon with a Munster Development side facing Ireland U20s.

The Mick O’Driscoll coached Development XV led 17-7 at the break thanks to tries from Joe White, Johnny Holland and Paul Kiernan. The returning Holland saw forty minutes of action at number 10 after a year-long absence from the game due to an initial hamstring tear sustained in November 2014.

An early second half Will Connors converted try for Ireland U20s reduced the gap to three points before Munster replied with three unanswered tries from Gavin Coombes, Ollie Lyons and Steven McMahon in sealing the 38-14 victory at Irish Independent Park.

Cork Con winger Joe White was first on the scoresheet after three minutes when he rounded the Irish defence to finish off a great solo effort in touching down in the left corner. Holland missed his opening kick at goal with a strong cross wind shifting the ball wide.

With Munster dominating the possession and territory in the opening 10 minutes it was Johnny Holland who was next to score. After making the initial surge deep in the opposition 22 recycled ball ended back in the outhalf’s possession and he dived for the line from close range. In adding his own conversion Munster held a twelve-point cushion after the opening 12 minutes.

The young Ireland side regained composure and struck back through Munster lock Sean O’Leary under the posts with Brett Connon adding the extras after 20 minutes.

However, Munster once again caused problems for the visitors as Ireland attempted to maul their way out of their own 22 a Munster steal gave Dan Goggin the chance to fire the ball out wide to Paul Kiernan. The UCC centre and Munster U20s Captain showed great hands in claiming the pass to run in unopposed in the left hand corner for Munster’s third try and final score of the first half.

Ireland were quick to reduce the deficit in the opening minutes of the second half with Will Connor’s effort converted by Brett Connon. The U20s continued to dominate the third quarter but an impressive defensive effort from the hosts kept the visitors scoreless.

In sustaining the pressure it was Munster who turned the tide when Bandon Grammar’s Gavin Coombes showed great strength and power in crossing the white wash after a series of pick and goes.

The academy’s Ollie Lyons found himself at the end of a driving maul to touch down for the fifth try while the final play of the game saw academy colleague Steven McMahon score.

Gearoid Lyons successfully kicked the three second half conversions.

Munster's academy player Bill Johnston who was introduced in the second half for Ireland U20s left the field after 74 minutes after sustaining what looked like a shoulder injury.

Munster Development: Stephen Fitzgerald; Colm Hogan (Steven McMahon 51), Dan Goggin, Paul Kiernan (Shane Daly 51), Joe White (Gearoid Lyons 62); Johnny Holland (Tomás Quinlan H/T), John Poland (Ryan Foley 51); Brendan Quinlan (62), Shane Fenton (62), Rory Burke (Brian Scott 51), Barra O'Byrne (62), Sean O'Connor, Evan Mintern (Gavin Coombes 62), Ben Kilkenny, Ollie Lyons.

Replacements From: Liam McMahon, Shane O'Hanlon, Brian Scott, Cian Barry, Gavin Coombes, Ryan Foley, Tomás Quinlan, Gearoid Lyons, Shane Daly, Steven McMahon.

Ireland U20s: Jack Power (Leinster); Matthew Byrne (Leinster), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster), Conor O’Brein (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Brett Connon (Newcastle Falcons), Liam Free (Ulster); Andrew Porter (Leinster), Hugo Kean (Leinster), Conor Kenny (Connacht); Sean O’Leary (Munster), Cillian Gallagher (Connacht), Neil Reilly (Leinster), Will Connors (Leinster), Kelvin Browne (Munster).

Replacements: Adam McBurney (Ulster), James Bollard (Leinster), Adam Coyle (Leinster), Peter Claffey (Connacht), Matt Cosgrove (Connacht), Stephen Kerins (Connacht), Bill Johnston (Munster), David O’Mahony (Munster).