Enisey-STM Overpower Munster Development XV

10th April 2013 By Munster Rugby

The Russian side arrived at Bruff RFC last night for their second outing in four days and presented a tough physical battle for Munster’s youngsters in claiming their 28-20 victory.

The visitors showed their intent from the off battering the Munster line in a high tempo, intense opening half. Their experience and cohesion after a 12 day training camp at Carton House was evident as they prevailed in drawing in the numbers, using the overlap to their advantage after 17" minutes when they opened their account out wide. New Zealand outhalf Ryan Bambry added the conversion.

Munster responded with a well struck Johnny Holland penalty before Enisey increased their tally from a line-out move inside the Munster 22 that found a gaping hole in the defence and an easy run in for the second try. Bambry kicked the extras once again and the visitors led 14-3 at the break.

During the opening 40" Academy player Cian Bohane, promoted to Development status for next season, was impressive in the back-line and stood out for Munster when breaking through the Russian defence on a number of occasions. Errors and loose passes cost the home side from gaining any continuity and the half-time talk provided a chance to re-group.

On the return the up and coming Munster players were quick to respond with Rory Scannell breaking through the centre and scoring under the posts, Johnny Holland kicked the conversion.

The game swayed in Munster's favour as they increased the pressure on the touring side and took control of the pace. The improved phase of play produced a second Scannell try when Munster secured a numbers advantage out wide and the Dolphin man skipped over in the far corner. With Holland missing out on the conversion Munster edged it by a point, 15-14, going in to the final 20 minutes.

But the Russian outfit stepped it up for the closing stages of the game showing their dominance and high levels of endurance, when Munster looked a tired and physically beaten side, Enisey ran in two final converted tries.

Development Squad: D Sweetnam; H McNulty, C Bohane, R Scannell, J McInerney, J Holland, B Slater (N Cronin 72); B Scott, N Scannell Capt. (J Rael 72), A Cotter (P Ryan 73), P Donnellan (A McCloskey 52), D O’Shea, B Hayes, B O’Mahony (A Enright 52), W Ryan (M Cronin 73). Replacements: J Rael, P Ryan, C O’Sullivan, A McCloskey, M Cronin, D Ryan, N Cronin, A Enright, C Ansbro.

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