Narrow Defeat For Munster U20 Development Squad

11th April 2011 By Munster Rugby

Munster U20 development squad took their first steps on what will be a long season, when they took on the Leicester Tigers academy last Friday night in Naas RFC.

Match Report By: Graham Burns, Manager U20 Squad

Leicester Academy 23 – Munster U20 Development Squad 20

Munster started brightly with a try from Cian O’Donnell after just 3 minutes. Leicester were penalised at a scrum and after good work from Luke Cahill who took the penalty quickly, O’Donnell scored under the posts which then saw JJ Hanrahan easily tap over the conversion.

Leicester however soon got back into the game through their physical pack and the pressure they generated took its toll with their centre scoring after chipping through the Munster defence.

With two more penalties added in quick succession, Munster found themselves 13 points to 7 down and in a spot of trouble as Leicester took a firm control of the game.

However, showing great character, Munster through wing Paul Curtis struck back with an excellent try after Munster retained the ball through a number of phases. After drawing in the Leicester cover, Curtis ran in from 30 yards. JJ Hanrahan’s conversion struck the post leaving the half time score Leicester 13 Munster 12.

Right from the off in the second half, Leicester controlled territory and possession and added a further penalty and a converted try after some closed in work by their forwards. This made the score 23 points to 12 for the visitors with 12 minutes remaining on the clock.

With both sides making full use of rolling substitutions, the game opened up and again after retaining the ball for several phases, Luke Cahill crossed the line for a well worked try.

Hanrahan was just wide with his attempted conversion, however soon after added a 35 yard penalty to make the score Leicester 23 Munster 20 at the final whistle.

Munster Scorers;

Tries; Cian O’Donnell, Paul Curtis and Luke Cahill, Conversions; JJ Hanrahan (1), Pens; JJ Hanrahan (1)

Munster U20s Development: Garrett O’Suillebhain; Steve Dinan, Kevin Slater, JJ Hanrahan, Paul Curtis; Eamonn Mills, Neil Cronin; Cian O’Donnell, Niall Scannell, Jake Considine; Sean Monaghan, Jack Donovan; Ben Crumplin, Miah Cronin, Luke Cahill. Replacements: James Rael, David Canny, Niall Horan, Jamie Kind, Brian Haugh, Shaun Horgan, James Kiernan, Tom Ryan.

Leicester Tigers Academy: Alex Lewington; George Catchpole, Joe Cobden, Javiah Pohe, Stephen Macauley; Rory Lynn, Luix Roussarie; Harry Rudkin, Charlie Clare, Fraser Balmain; Dave Markham, Rob Conquest; Joe Cousens, Jethro Rawling, Joe Clowes. Replacements From: James Thraves, Michael McNamara, Hamish Watson, George Oliver, Harry Wells, Ash Cooper, Liam Holder, Christophe Ridley, Harrison Lee-Everton, Tahir El Mahdi, Luke Veebe.

A well worthwhile exercise, with all squad member getting game time. Particularly pleasing was to outscore Leicester by 3 tries to 2.

On behalf of the Munster U20 Development Squad, we would like to pass on our thanks to Naas for organising the game and especially for some excellent post match hospitality.