Saturday Round-Up

Munster win derby: Ulster fans were left wondering what might have been last night, as flyhalf Ian Humphreys missed a last minute shot at goal, allowing Munster secure a crucial 21-20 victory at Thomond Park. Infront of a lively home crowd, it was the visitors Ulster who made all the first half running, with Humphreys knocking over four penalties in the process, to hand his side a commanding first half lead. However, as the first 40 began to draw to a close, the hosts showed a glimpse of what was to come in the second period, with no.8 Robin Copeland going over in the corner after some weak Ulster defence. After Copeland’s opening five pointer for the hosts, the second half continued in much the same vein, with highly impressive scrum half Duncan Williams crossing the whitewash to hand Anthony Foley's men the lead for the first time. Two further penalties from the boot of flyhalf Ian Keatley in the 10 jersey, to go with his earlier conversion efforts, allowed Munster establish a commanding 9 point lead going into the closing ten minutes of the inter-provincial Irish derby. However, a penalty from Humphreys and a late Nick Williams try seemed to have put the cat amongst the pigeons, with the conversion to come to clinch the game for Neil Doak’s men. It was not to be for Humphreys or Ulster, as his attempt at the routine conversion drifted wide, ensuring Munster sealed the much deserved win. 

Justice for Owens: World-renowned international referee Nigel Owens was handed a little piece of justice yesterday, as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) banned two fans from Twickenham for two years following an investigation into homophobic abuse directed at Owens. After multiple reports of the abuse were received by the RFU, an investigation into the claims was launched, and has since determined the culprits guilty, ordering them to donate £1,000 to a charity of Nigel Owens’ choice, along with their suspension from all matches at the national stadium for two years. The abuse of Owens occurred at the recent November International Series clash between England and New Zealand.

Ryan Sheady