A first interprovincial title is the prize on offer for Connacht on Saturday if they overcome Munster in the final junior championship fixture at the Galway Sportsground (2.30pm ).
Pipped two seasons ago when losing to Leinster in injury time, Connacht now have a great opportunity to make an historic breakthrough.
Connacht enter Saturday’s match as the only unbeaten side to date. Wins over Ulster, in the opening round, and holders Leinster last weekend, ensure Connacht are in the driving seat, but they must win to ensure the title comes west for the first time. Any slip-up could see either Ulster or Leinster, in particular, take the crown as the Dubliners are just three points behind Connacht, having gained two valuable bonus points.
Munster arrive in Galway without hope of being crowned champions, and they have little to lose, but that can be dangerous. They will see Saturday’s fixture as an opportunity to avenge Connacht, who denied Munster the title with a final-round victory last year.
Munster, despite two losses, have shown their ability to score, posting 24 points in each fixture to date. A typical Munster outfit, they boast a big strong pack backed by some useful runners, who relish the opportunity to counterattack from deep.
However an in-form Connacht will be considered the favourites, particularly having overcome the former favourites and holders Leinster away by 20-14 last weekend. They will need to maintain their composure and discipline as Munster will certainly punish any lapses or sinbinnings.
Manager Mick Turley says there must be no complacency now the title is within sight.
“Any three teams could win the title this year and as a result nothing will be taken for granted. If we win the game, we win the title, but if not, then Leinster or Ulster could still sneak it.
“It is the exact reversal of last year’s championship when we went down to Munster who only needed to win. However we beat them, as we did the year before, so they will be coming to Galway with all guns blazing,” he says.
Connacht report no fresh injuries, but await fitness test of Wesley Maxwell who missed last weekend’s fixture with a shoulder injury. If fit, he will come into contention in what is likely to be an unchanged starting XV.
While Munster will consider themselves unlucky to have lost to Ulster last weekend by 26-24, Connacht continued their winning ways at Donnybrook.
Once again Connacht’s pack provided the platform for this victory, The front row of Doran McHugh, Martin Lee and Tom Toolan had their Leinster counterparts in trouble from the first scrum, while reliable lineout ball and strong rucking at the breakdown gave halfbacks Mickey Murphy and Paddy Pearson quality ball.
Connacht struck first with a Pearson penalty on 15 minutes and the influential outhalf was again involved two minutes later when Rory O’Connor crossed for Connacht’s first try. Pearson added the touchline conversion for a 10 – 0 lead.
Connacht continued to control proceedings and, camped in the Leinster half, they broke through again when Dave Prior supplied his Monivea clubmate Rory O’Connor for his second try.
Just before the break the hosts got their chance when an intercept by the Leinster centre looked certain to provide an opening score. However Connacht winger Aaron Spring did exceptionally well to catch his opponent and force a knock-on to finish the opening half’s action.
However Leinster did make the breakthrough with a converted try after the resumption, and when Connacht lost second row Willie Parker to the bin, Leinster had the chance to add to their score. However they missed a penalty chance and Connacht produced a sterling defensive display to ensure Leinster could not take advantage of the extra man.
Leinster made a series of substitutions, mainly in the pack, in an effort to change the flow of the game, but it was Connacht replacement, lock Dave Hansberry, who made the most impact when he took a pass from Martin Lee and out ran the Leinster defence to touch down in the corner. This put Connacht comfortably in front at 20 – 7 with six minutes remaining. Leinster sub Swindlehurst also grabbed a second Leinster try, but it was too late to halt Connacht’s championship march.
Connacht: Kevin Higgins (Monivea ) (Capt. ), Rory O’Connor (Monivea ), Dave Prior (Monivea ), Mata Fafita (Sligo ), Aaron Spring (Sligo ), Paddy Pearson (Sligo ), Mickey Murphy (Ballina ), Doran McHugh (OLBC ), Martin Lee (Corrib ), Tom Toolan (Ballina ), Jamie Bowes (Sligo ) , Willie Parker (Monivea ), Eoin Rooney (Monivea ), Mike Ward (Tuam ), Aidan McNulty (Ballina ). Subs, Ronan Coughlan (Monivea ), Brian Murphy (Monivea ), Dave Hansberry (OLBC ), Tom Ellard (Westport ), John Culkin (Monivea ) Ger O’Connor (Monivea ), Seamus Fahy (Monivea ).
