Drama In Munster Local Derby Games

There was plenty of excitement at both Tom Clifford Park and the Mardyke with both visiting sides winning and easing their relegation worries in their Ulster Bank League Friday night encounters.

An exciting finish at Tom Clifford Park saw Garryowen edge out their local rivals Young Munster in a Division 1A Ulster Bank League tie by 13-11. David O'Mahony got Young Munster off to a perfect start when landing a third minute penalty which was cancelled out by Neil Cronin after 20 minutes.

Another O'Mahony penalty had Young Munster 6-3 in front at the interval but Garryowen levelled with a second Cronin penalty on 73 minutes. A draw looked likely but Liam Coombes touched down for Garryowen as Cronin converted and in the last passage of play, second row Tom Goggin touched down for Young Munster after a series of close-in scrums. The conversion was missed but Young Munster earned a bonus point.

At the Mardyke Dolphin came from ten points down after 30 minutes to defeat UCC 25-15 in their Division 1B encounter. A try by Murray Linn and a conversion and a penalty by Kevin O’Keeffe had the students in total control after half an hour.

Dolphin lifted their game and their pack scored three tries for a 19-10 half-time lead. Ryan Murphy got two and John Fitzgerald one with Cillian Monahan converting two. Monahan added a penalty before Ben Mitchell gave College hope with a try after 35 minutes. Dolphin responded with a second Monahan penalty and held out for four precious points in their battle against relegation.

Friday night Results –
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Terenure College 13, Clontarf 21;
St. Mary's College 21, Lansdowne 45;
UCD 23, Old Belvedere 11;
Young Munster 11, Garryowen 13;

Division 1B: UCC 15, Dolphin 25;

Division 2B: Bective Rangers 18, MU Barnhall 22;