Cork Con made to work for final berth

Ulster Bank League Semi-final - Cork Constitution 19 Young Munster 9:Cork Constitution didn't have it all their own way but still had enough to see off Young Munster in today's Ulster Bank League semi-final at Temple Hill and will now take on Old Belvedere in the final.

On paper defending champions Con were favourites to win this one but Young Munster proved a tricky and determined opponent and had to be respected. Nevertheless they got the job done to book their place in the May 1 final at Donnybrook.

Munster had two potent weapons; their resolute defence, which Cork struggled to break down all afternoon, and the boot of scrumhalf Alan Kinglsey.

However it was Kingsley’s opposite number Gerry Hurley who enjoyed the decisive action when he fired a late penalty followed by an opportune drop goal through the posts.

"They are a good side, defensively very strong. I don't think there was a missed tackle all day," said Cork coach Brian Walsh paying tribute to the opposition.

Promising lock Brian Hayes got over the line for Cork’s opening try with Hurley landing the conversion. Hurley fired over a penalty in the 26th minute to make it 10-0 but just when thought of the floodgates opening, Munster closed ranks and played hard ball.

Instead they cut into the deficit with two well-taken Kingsley penalties, one from long range, to make it 10-6.

Hurley responded before the break to make it 13-6 in Con’s favour at the break.

In what turned out to be a tit-for-tat exhibition with the boot Kingsley once again reduced the gap to four, 13-9. By this stage all the pressure was coming onto Munster but they stood their ground.

Entering the final quarter, Kingsley uncharacteristically missed a chance to reduce the scoreline to a one point game.

From there man-of-the-match Hurley stepped up with his penalty and fine drop goal to ensure the win.

Walsh's will go into the final favourites but the manager is taking nothing for granted.

"I will not be reading too much into their (Old Belvedere) semi-final win over Clontarf. They finished second behind us in the table, which shows they are a good side," added Walsh.

"They needed to show a bit of character to beat Clontarf, and I anticipate that they will be a far better side in the final."