Munster U19 Selection Defeat USA U19’s

At Tom Clifford Park on Friday last, a Munster U19 Selection hosted the USA U19 team in a warm up game prior to the visiting side’s participation in the IRB U19 World Championships, due to commence in Belfast on April 4th next.

Munster claimed a comprehensive 35-11 win, with the home side notching up five tries in the game. First on the score sheet was David Kilcoyne (Ardscoil Ris), with the conversion from Thomond’s Declan Cusack. Rockwell College’s Willie Devane claimed Munster’s second try which was again converted by Cusack. Before half time, Munster’s third try was scored by Brian Derham (Cork Constitution/PBC), with an on form Cusack again adding the extras. USA’s only score of the first half came from a penalty which was converted by Hamish Roberts. The half time score saw Munster lead 21-3.

After the break, full back Sean Scanlon from Crescent College Comprehensive crossed the line for Munster’s fourth try, which was converted by Cusack, while PBC’s Niall Barry scored Munster’s final try which was converted by CBC’s Robbie O’Donoghue. USA’s only reply was penalty kicked by Hamish Roberts and a last minute try from Sean Pitman. The final score saw Munster having a comfortable 35-11 win, however, the experience of such a competitive game will surely stand to the USA team as they begin their World Championship campaign. First up for the USA is Russia on April 4th.

Ireland U19’s kick off their championship campaign on 5th April against Australia at Ravenhill. The Irish side includes Munster players Scott Deasy (PBC), Michael Sherry (Ardscoil Ris), Kieran Essex (CBC/UCC), Murray Kinsella (Newtown School), Ian Nagle (Glenstal Abbey) and David Foley (UL Bohs).

Munster U19 Selection:
Forwards: John Ryan, David Kilcoyne, Conor Whelan, John Noonan, Ben Rowley, Michael Kenefick, Aaron McCloskey, Ken Hanley, Ian Duffy, Niall Barry, Barry Sheehan.
Backs: Diarmuid Upton, Shane Costigan, Declan Cusack, Robbie O’Donoghue, Brian Derham, Derek Houlihan, Paul Gleeson, Diarmuid McMahon, Diarmuid McCarthy, Willie Devane, Mark Doyle, Sean Scanlon