Garryowen earn Limerick bragging rights with AIL win over Young Munster

GARRYOWEN came out on top of their Limerick derby game with Young Munster on a 28-24 scoreline in their All-Ireland League clash in Dooradoyle.

The Light Blues ran in for four tries in what was only their second win of the AIL season. Despite the defeat, Young Munster's place in the end of season play-offs has been secured after earning a bonus point in defeat, and by virtue of Shannon's win over Ballynahinch.

The Cookies hopes weren't helped by the loss of Munster full back Patrick Campbell after he sustained a shoulder injury in their warm up.

Garryowen came out of the blocks quickly to hit the front with Des Fitzgerald touching down following a sustained spell of pressure. Tony Butler added a fine conversion to leave the score at 7-0.

Things got even better for the home side on 15 minutes when a good carry by Fitzgerald opened a gap in the Young Munster defence and Garryowen sniped through for their second try. 

Butler then knocked over a penalty from 40 metres to stretch their advantage to 15 points in what was an excellent opening quarter

Munster's soon got their way back into the contest when a penalty gave them good field position deep in the home '22. A strong lineout maul followed, with Bailey Faloon getting the try.

Conor Hayes converted the try and then added a penalty to leave the half time score at 15-10 in favour of the the Light Blues.

The Cookies had the better of the opening first half exchanges and were rewarded when Jack Lyons darted in from close range for a second Young Munster try. Hayes nailed the conversion to put his side two-points up.

A long spell of sloppy play by both sides followed but the game finished with a flourish in the final stages with three tries scored.

Garryowen broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a Butler penalty that was soon followed by a Tommy O'Hora five-pointer. Jack Delaney broke through a couple of tackles before finding the speedy winger and O'Hora did the rest to dive over in the right corner.

Things got even better for the home side moments later when an Evan Maher box kick wasn't dealt with by Young Munster and Fitzgerald collected the loose ball for his second try and a 28-17 lead.

Harry Fleming bagged a late consolation try for Munster's that Hayes converted but it was Garryowen that ended up winners by four points.

Scorers - Garryowen: Tries - Des Fitzgerald (2), Jack Oliver, Tommy O'Hora; Pens - Tony Butler; Cons - Tony Butler

Scorers - Young Munter: Tries: Bailey Faloon, Jack Lyons, Harry Fleming; Pens - Conor Hayes: Cons Conor Hayes (3).

GARRYOWEN: Jamie Shanhan; Tommy O'Hora, Matthew Sheehan, Jack Delaney, Nicky Greene; Tony Butler, Jack Oliver; Mike Veale, Max Clein, Michael Mbaud; Oisin Cooke, Kevin Seymour; Tim Ferguson, Des Fitzgerald, Sean Rennison.

Replacements: Sean Fanning, Ben O'Sullivan, Ryhs Whyte-O'Malley, Patrick Naughton, Ed Barry, Evan Maher.

YOUNG MUNSTER: Conor Hayes; Shay McCarthy, Dan Goggin, Harry Fleming, Fionn Gibbons; Jack Lyons, Donnchadh O'Callaghan; David Begley, George Jacobs, Michael Treacy; Sean Rigney, Alan Kennedy; Bailey Faloon, Ronan O'Sullivan, John Foley.

Replacements: Mark O'Mara, Kean Sheedy, Craig Hannon, Conor Nesbitt, Evan Cusack, Stephen Lyons.

REFEREE: George Clancy (MAR)