Schools Take Title As Clubs Are Denied

There was glory for the Munster Under 18 Schools and heartbreak for the Munster Under 18 Clubs on Saturday as the 2014 underage Interprovincial Series came to an end.

The Munster Under 18 Schools, sponsored by Trend Micro, claimed the Interprovincial title after a hard-fought 19-10 win over Leinster in Lansdowne.

To put the achievement into context, 2003 was the last time that Munster won the Schools Interprovincial Series. It's the first time since 1973 that Munster have won the four-province Schools Interpro Series after Connacht's absence between 1979 and 2006.

Munster started superbly and played some brilliant rugby to race into a 19-0 half-time lead.

Crescent College winger Billy O'Hora scored the Munster try in the right corner after a period of pressure as captain Bill Johnston added the conversion and four penalties.

It was by no means one-way traffic in that first half, however, with some excellent Munster defence keeping the visitors at bay.

Leinster were reduced to 14 men on 51 minutes but back in the game when winger Jordan Larmour touched down with scrum-half David Duggan also crossing to make it 19-10.

Crucially, however, both conversions were missed which allowed Munster some vital breathing space and superb defence helped the hosts see out the game and claim the Interprovincial title.

Munster Rugby would like to thank CBC for the use of the school's wonderful facilities and their hospitality.

The Munster Under 18 Clubs, sponsored by Trend Micro, missed out on the Interprovincial title after a 25-6 loss to Leinster at Waterpark on Saturday afternoon.

Skibbereen's Liam Coombes kicked Munster's two penalties but excellent Leinster defence kept their line intact with tries from Darragh Sweeney, Jack Regan and Conor Nash securing the win.

Both teams went into this Interprovincial decider after impressive wins over Ulster and Connacht and it was Leinster who started stronger and led 15-3 at the break.

Munster battled back bravely in the second half but Leinster sealed the win on 65 minutes with a third try from Nash to seal the title.

The facilities in Waterpark were excellent and Munster Rugby would like to thank the club for their hospitality.

Munster Clubs' Robbie Walsh is tackled by two Leinster defenders