Munster claim gritty 26‑22 URC bonus‑point win over Bulls

Munster secured a hard‑fought 26‑22 bonus‑point victory over the Bulls at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Young Corkman Charlie O’Shea was the standout, scoring two tries and converting three kicks in his first competitive start for the Reds.

The Bulls led 7‑0 early, but Munster levelled by the 20th minute when Diarmuid Kilgallen crossed for a try, converted by O’Shea. Ten minutes later O’Shea added a five‑point try to give the home side the lead.

The scores were tied at 14‑all before a penalty gave the visitors a brief advantage in the new period. O’Shea’s second try restored Munster’s lead to 19‑17, and a subsequent bonus‑point try extended it further. The win was sealed when Alex Kendellen scored.

The Bulls added a late score, but Munster held on for their first win of the campaign.

Munster line‑up included Shane Daly, Diarmuid Kilgallen (Wood 23’), Seán O’Brien, Dan Kelly, Shay McCarthy, Charlie O’Shea, Craig Casey (captain), Michael Milne (Loughman 8’), Marnus van der Merwe (Brookes 61’), Jack Aungier (Foxe 61’), Tom Ahern, Evan O’Connell, Seán Edogbo (Coombes 53’), John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson (Edogbo 66’), with replacements Kieran Brookes, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Gavin Coombes, Alex Kendellen, Ben O’Donovan, JJ Hanrahan and Gordon Wood.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Ollie Craig / Pexels.