Prendergast praises Young Munster as they see off Shannon
Munster colleagues collide: Felix Jones, Shannon, is tackled by Ian Keatley, Young Munster, in the AIL Division 1A clash in Thomond Park
YOUNG Munster coach Mike Prendergast paid tribute to his side for refusing to panic, after they came from 17 points down to beat Shannon 23-20 in a thrilling AIL Division 1A game in Thomond Park on Friday night.
Although they stay in third, the win sees Young Munster go within two points of the top. Clontarf are the new leaders on 41 points with St Mary’s on 40 (they lost to Dolphin on Saturday) and Young Munster on 39.
“The great thing out there was the belief we showed,” said Prendergast afterwards. “Shannon came out in the first half with all guns blazing. We kicked poorly to them.
“But we really pulled it in at half-time. We got the penalty try before the break and that gave us a huge lift. In the second half our forwards really kicked in. Our scum was outstanding and our maul worked very well.
“One thing we never do – and it has been the same for a few seasons – we never panic.”
Resilient Young Munster fought back from 17 points down after half an hour to stun great rivals Shannon late on in a fiercely competitive tie.
Hooker Ger Slattery was credited with the match winning try on Friday night, burrowing over from close range in the dying moments. Out-half Willie Staunton added the extras. Shannon were down to 13 players at that stage, following the sin-binnings of player-coach Stephen Keogh and replacement John Clogan.
But the drama wasn’t over yet. Match referee Ollie Hodges spotted a misdemeanour by a Munsters’ player after the try was scored and immediately Shannon had an opportunity to pinch a dramatic late draw through a penalty from half way.
However, Tadhg Bennett’s effort dropped short of the crossbar and Munsters’ survived a major scare.
The size of the attendance was, no doubt, swelled by the presence of fit-again Munster full-back Felix Jones. The returning Jones played the full 80 minutes and showed no ill effects from the foot injury which kept him sidelined for close on six months.
With Munster’s scheduled PRO12 tie with Aironi in Italy postponed due to snow, Young Munster’s backline was bolstered by the presence of both Johne Murphy and Ian Keatley, who were making their club debuts.
This was a victory for Young Munster’s pack and their set-piece in particular which was utterly dominant in the second half. Munsters’ held the upperhand at scrum time and through their well-executed maul, using that superiority to gain quality possession and win several penalties.
Shannon also struggled in the line-out where they failed to gain possession of their own throw on more than one occasion.
A Young Munster win seemed unlikely when the home side stormed into a deserved 20-3 lead after half an hour. Shannon bossed the opening half which was a terrific advertisement for the club game.
Munsters’ were simply unable to match Shannon’s physicality and intensity and Stephen Keogh’s side scored tries through impressive number eight Paddy Butler and centre Richie Mullane, following a fine break from winger Luke O’Dea.
Crucially though, Munsters’ gave themselves a lifeline in first half stoppage time when, following the sin-binning of Shannon prop Kevin Griffin, the visitors pack marched their opponents back over the try line from a scrum and when they infringed to prevent the ball being touched down, referee Hodges had no hesitation in awarding a try.
At 10-20 at half-time, Munsters’ have given themselves a shot at turning it around and they succeeded in pulling off a stunning comeback late in the second period.
Next up for Mike Prendergast’s side is another local derby, this time with a rejuvenated Garryowen side at Clifford Park on Saturday next (2.30pm). Shannon travel to St Mary’s next Saturday.
SCORERS – Shannon: Paddy Butler, Richie Mullane try each, Tadhg Bennett two penalties, two conversions. Young Munster: Ger Slattery try, penalty try, Willie Staunton three penalties, two conversions
SHANNON – Felix Jones; Luke O’Dea, Richie Mullane, Mossie Lawler (Capt), Shane McNamara; Tadhg Bennett, Rob Guerin; Les Hogan, John Deegan, Kevin Griffin; Stephen Keogh, Fergal Walsh; Paddy Butler, James Murphy, David Quinlan. Replacements: Gary McNamara for Murphy (temp 38-48 mins), John Clogan for Lawler (47 mins), Dan Heffernan for Walsh (57 mins), Fergal Walsh for Quinlan (76 mins).
YOUNG MUNSTER – Ray Moloney; Johne Murphy, Andrew Burke, Ian Keatley, Mark Doyle; Willie Staunton, Mike Prendergast; Alan Cotter, Ger Slattery, Hugh McGrath; Darren Gallagher, Shane O’Neill; Liam Og Murphy, James O’Neill, Neville Melbourne. Replacements: Johnny Moloney for Shane O’Neill (66 mins), Ger Flaherty for McGrath (72 mins), Hugh McGrath for Cotter (76 mins).
REFEREE – Ollie Hodges (MAR)
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