OLDEST IRISH AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN USA, ESTABLISHED IN 1928
Category: Archive

Munster put on show

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

The Irish province and Gloucester are currently equal first in the pool, and while only one team is guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, should Munster win both their remaining games against Treviso in Italy and Bourgoin at the Thomond citadel, then at the very least they would qualify for the last eight as one of the two best runners-up.
With Gloucester flying high in the English Premiership, Munster needed to be at their very best, and following some inspirational words from former captain Mick Galwey in the locker room beforehand, they emerged into the Limerick throng to deliver one of their finest performances ever in Europe. If last year’s famous victory over Gloucester remains as one the team’s most dramatic successes, this latest display was probably the most comprehensive and clinical, given the immense pressure.
Prop Marcus Horan crashed his way over for two tries as the Munster forwards completed outplayed their opponents, the impressive Frankie Sheahan scored another and wing John Kelly rounded off a memorable evening with the fourth try that assured the winners of a precious bonus point. Meanwhile, Ronan O’Gara kicked 15 points from three penalties and three conversions.
“It was the best performance from the players since I’ve been involved,” coach Alan Gaffney said. “Gloucester managed to attack us out there whereas last year they sat back. They put us under pressure, so it was a more comprehensive victory than last year.”
Gloucester’s head coach, former England international Nigel Melville, was generous in his praise for the home side. “They’re one of the best teams in Europe and certainly their home performances are beyond comparison with anything we experience in England,” he said.
Urged on by the roaring crowd, Munster led by 19-9 at the interval with David Wallace reminding national coach Eddie O’Sullivan that he remains a contender for the Ireland team with an outstanding display of ball carrying. In fact, that advantage should have been more such was Munster’s dominance, but for once they let their concentration slip when Jon Goodridge scored an opportunist try for the visitors early in the second half.
That reduced the gap to just 5 points, however, stung by Gloucester’s impudence, Munster upped the pace once more as Paul O’Connell and John Hayes led the forward charges to pin the opposition back in their own half. O’Gara landed three penalties to emphasize the territorial superiority and when Mike Mullins carved his way through the visitors’ midfield, Kelly was on hand to take the try-scoring pass.

Other Articles You Might Like

Sign up to our Daily Newsletter

Click to access the login or register cheese