UNBEATEN Munster captured the youths Interprovincial Championship by beating Leinster at Merrion Road on Saturday.

A penalty by out-half Mark McHugh gave Leinster the lead after three minutes, but Munster's reply was immediate, with out-half Brian Maguire blocking a clearance to race through for a simple try which was converted by Colin Cronin.

Another McHugh penalty after 15 minutes brought his side to within a point of Munster, but they fell further behind when Newport flanker, Aidan O'Gorman, burst from the fringe of a ruck in midfield and, with a stunning turn of pace, scored a try in the left corner.

McHugh pulled the score back to 12-9 before the interval, but his side's hopes of a revival were dashed as Munster spent most of the second period camped in Leinster territory. The pressure was eventually rewarded by a late dropped goal from Maguire.

Two Michael Crothers tries proved the springboard for Ulster's 21-6 victory over Connacht in the youths interprovincial at Raven hill on Saturday. John Shanks also crossed the Connacht line to round off an exhilarating move. Mark Maguire converted each try. Connacht had two penalties from Ponlard in response.