Sport

Munster complete their Italian job in fine style

Munster celebrated their first away European Cup victory in Padova yesterday - winning in considerable style

Mon Nov 09 1998 - 00:00

Munster celebrated their first away European Cup victory in Padova yesterday - winning in considerable style. The injury-hit Irish side took the initiative from the start and, while Padova showed typical Italian fighting instincts, the result was always going to go in Munster's favour.

They had to endure some rough tactics from the home side but French referee Didier Mene took a tight grip and when Padova needed things going their way, Mene went against them.

Munster scored five tries and, while four of them came in the opening half, their best form was reserved for the second period. Quite simply they shut up shop and their defensive performance was one of the best they have produced all season.

The visitors were never under real pressure but they stopped any threat from the Italians at source and turned over a considerable amount of possession. Once again their main scoring chances came from the back row with David Corkery, in for Alan Quinlan, putting in a superb display to match the performances from Anthony Foley and Eddie Halvey.

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Corkery marked his game with a fine try in the seventh minute, Killian Keane converting from the touchline. Kelly Rolleston kicked a penalty for Padova in the 13th minute but Brian Walsh responded quickly for a second try again converted by Keane.

Padova stormed back into the game when Rolleston kicked a penalty, scored a try and kicked the conversion after 24 minutes but Halvey steamed in for another Munster try just 60 seconds later.

Fabio Gomez struck for the home side five minutes before the break but Munster again stretched the lead in injury time when Keane went over for a 24-18 lead.

John Kelly went in for Munster's fifth try early in the second half and, while Rolleston kicked his third penalty, Munster finished the game well on top, with Keane, who had a mixed afternoon with his kicking stroking over two penalties to make it safe.

PADOVA: K Rolleston; V D'Anna, M Piovene, R Salvan, F Rampazzo; M Berry, F Gomez; P Menapace, A Moretti, C Cario, A Giacon, S Stocco, R Saetti, M Birtig, (capt), R Rampazzo. Replacement: A Muraro for Cario (72 mins).

MUNSTER: B Walsh; J Kelly, R Ellison, K Keane, A Horgan; B Everitt, P Stringer; D Clohessy, M McDermott, J Hayes, M Galway (Capt), M O'Driscoll, D Corkery, A Foley, E Halvey. Replacements: M Lynch for Ellison (12 mins), T Tierney for Stringer (75 mins).

Referee: D Mene (France)