Munster U20s overcome Academy challenge

The Munster U20s came out on top on Friday afternoon in Fermoy RFC as they defeated a Munster academy select 20 points to 12.

This was the second win for the U20s after defeating Heriots RFC in Scotland a week earlier. They now have one more challenge game to complete before they commence their Interpro series.

Munster U20’s started the strongest and went into a 13 nil lead after a penalty by Cormac O’Flynn and two tries scored by Paddy Butler and Simon Zebo, O’Flynn failed to convert.

The Munster Academy began to settle and applied considerable pressure which resulted in a try from sub academy player Finbar Aherne, which was converted by Declan Cusack. The score remained 13-7 to the 20s at half-time.

The Academy started the strongest in the second half and their good work resulted in another try, this time scored by centre Joe Holland, which they failed to convert.

Now with only a 1 point lead the 20’s had to dig deep after conceding two tries and they used their possession well and began to apply the pressure. Following several rucks within the Academy 22 Brian Hayes took a pass on the blind side to sneak over near the corner flag. The converted try bringing the final score to 20-12 in favour of the U20s.

Next up for the U20’s is their final challenge match against UL Bohemians RFC in Annacotty this Friday the 4th of September, ko 6pm.

Munster U20s Squad: Ger Burke; Gareth Quinn McDonagh; Duncan Casey; Brian Cagney; Brendan Cullinane; JP Cooney; Brian Hayes; Edward Kelly; Sean Duggan; Dave O’Callaghan; John Quill; Dean Landy*; Patrick Butler; Dan Heffernan; David O’Driscoll; Brian Slater; Michael Kelliher; Cormac O’Flynn; Kevin Kidney; Joe Holland*; Simon Zebo; Craig O’Hanlon; Gavin Nugent; Lukas Kunz*; Darren Moroney; Luke O’Dea; Johnny McCarthy.

*These U20 players lined out with the Academy side.

Munster U20s Interprovincial Fixtures:
Connacht – Away – Showgrounds – Saturday 12/09/09, ko 3pm.
Leinster – Home – Thomond Park – Friday 18/09/09
Ulster – Away – Ravenhill – Friday 25/09/09

Munster U20s Management Team:
Anthony Foley – Head Coach
Ian Costello – Assistant / Backs Coach
Alan Miller – Manager
Feargal O’Callaghan – Fitness & Conditioning Coach
Paudie Roche – Assistant Fitness & Conditioning Coach
Damien Mordan – Physio
Alan Hickey – Kit Manager
Elliot Corcoran – Video Analyst