Munster scrape a draw

Celtic League/ Glasgow 11 Munster 11: Professional rugby took a step backwards last night as Glasgow Warriors and Munster ground out a draw in a game of little creativity.

Munster looked lively in the opening exchanges and had a real opportunity from a lineout 10 metres from the Glasgow line, only for the home side to disrupt quick possession. But referee James Jones spotted a midfield offside, allowing outside half Paul Warwick to post three points.

Then, when Munster turned over ball at the breakdown, Glasgow showed their attacking skills with a break by Scotland centre Andy Henderson. No try ensued, but Glasgow were rewarded with a penalty, converted by Scotland outhalf Dan Parks to level the scores.

Almost immediately Glasgow struck again, this time from a clever kick from Parks. Winger Brian Carney gathered the ball in front of his posts but his pass to Peter Stringer went astray.

Glasgow centre Daryl Gibson then nailed Stringer and winger Lome Fa'atau gathered to dive over for the opening try.

Just before the break Warwick was on target with a penalty after Glasgow had been penalised at a scrum.

A Parks goal then extended Glasgow's lead, but at the other end Warwick missed with an easy kick.

Alan Quinlan led the charge as Munster tested the Glasgow defence with wave after wave of attack. Glasgow tackled everything until centre Rua Tipoki found a way through before supplying the pass to Lefeimi Mafi to level the scores.

In a final fling Munster drop goal attempts by Manning and Payne failed to secure the win.

SCORERS- Glasgow Warriors: Fa'atau try, Parks 2 pens. Munster: Mafi, try, Warwick 2 pens.

GLASGOW WARRIORS: B Stortoni; L Fa'atau, A Henderson (S Barrow 74), D Gibson, T Evans (H O'Hare 73); D Parks, C O'Young (S Pinder 72); E Kalman (M Collins 60), F Thomson, M Low, A Newman (D Turner 78), A Kellock (capt), S Swindall (J Beattie 11), J Barclay, K Brown.

MUNSTER: S Payne; B Carney (K Earls 40), R Tipoki, L Mafi , I Dowling; P Warwick (J Manning 76), P Stringer; T Buckley (M Horan 29), F Sheahan (J Flannery 48), J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Wallace, A Foley (capt).

Referee: J Jones(Wales)