Munster leap back to tabletop

MUNSTER are top of the Magners League after this spirted away victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons in Rodney Parade on Saturday night. Not for the first time this season, Paul Warwick proved his worth with a solid performance firmly establishing himself as understudy to Ronan O'Gara in the red shirt.

Munster led 13-6 at the break thanks to a try from Garryowen winger Ciaran O'Boyle and two penalties and a conversion from Warwick. Munster were reduced to 14 when Alan Quinlan was sent to the sin-bin by referee Alan Lewis as the Dragons upped the tempo in the second half. A third James Arlidge penalty reduced the deficit to four points

but Munster responded almost immediately with a fine try at the other end.

Stringer and O'Driscoll were involved in the build-up before the ball was swept through the hands for replacement Anthony Horgan to go over for the touchdown which Warwick converted expertly from the touchline. Munster fielded a strong side that included a back-row of Alan Quinlan, Denis Leamy and Nick Williams but a second half injury to Ciaran O’Boyle saw him replaced by Anthony Horgan.

Played in conditions that were reminiscent of the Munster v Scarlets Heineken Cup pool game in Stradey Park in 2008, Munster saw out the game comfortably to retain leadership of the Magners League from their arch rivals Leinster. Munster can take added pride in defending their try line with a Warwick tackle on Martyn Thomas late in the game emphasising the commitment of the red jerseys.

Losing Denis Hurley to the sin-bin early in the second half put extra pressure on Munster but they had sufficient quality in their side to remain three points clear at the top of the table.

Newport Gwent Dragons: J Tovey; K Morgan, R Sidey, A Smith, M Thomas;

J Arlidge, W Evans; N Hall, T Willis (capt), R Thomas, S Tomes, A Hall, J Bearman, R Parks, G Webb.

Replacements: S Jones, G Robinson (for R Thomas), L Evans (for G Webb), D Lydiate (for R Parks), P Dollman, G Maule (for Arlidge), R Lewis.

Munster: D Hurley; K Lewis, K Earls, L Mafi, C O’Boyle;

P Warwick, P Stringer; D Hurley, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O’Driscoll (capt), D Ryan;

A Quinlan, D Leamy, N Williams. Replacements: M Essex, T Ryan (for Buckley), B Holland (for N Williams), N Ronan (for Quinlan), D Williams, J Manning, A Horgan (for O’Boyle)

Referee : A Lewis (Ireland).