Staunton's late effort gives Munster victory

Munster secured their second successive win of this season's Celtic League thanks to a last-gasp penalty goal from Jeremy Staunton at Thomond Park last night.

It was fitting that Staunton should convert the 79th-minute penalty to send the Munster supporters home happy on the 25th anniversary of the province's historic victory over the All Blacks.

Munster just about deserved the win but they were forced to fight all the way by a Warriors side that had veteran Neil Jenkins excelling from his outhalf position.

Munster looked in trouble at half-time after changing over with a slender three-point lead at the break, 13-10, despite playing with a stiff breeze during that period.

Alan Gaffney's men got off to the best possible start when Staunton landed the first of his five successful penalty kicks on seven minutes.

The game really sparked into life on 14 minutes with Munster's only try. Full back Dominic Crotty did superbly to hold Jason Holland's pass; Crotty fed Mike Mullins, who showed great pace to beat the Warriors cover and score in the corner.

Staunton's conversion put Munster ahead by 10-0. However, the Welsh side finished the half strongly. Warriors were rewarded for their endeavours on 31 minutes with a well worked try. Jenkins created the score with a terrific break from close to the halfway line. He quickly transferred the ball to prop Phil Booth, who barged his way over the line from close range for the try, Jenkins converted.

Staunton increased the Munster lead moments later only for Jenkins to reply with another fine penalty and leave the three points between the sides at the half-time interval.

When Jenkins landed his second penalty of the night, just two minutes after the restart, Munster looked in trouble. However, Staunton settled Munster nerves with a fine penalty goal on 45 minutes from close to the touchline.

Back came the Celtic Warriors, who went in front on 48 minutes with a well worked try from winger Aisea Havili. At that stage Munster trailed by two points.

Jenkins and Staunton traded further penalties before Staunton finally converted his late penalty to give the home side a much needed victory.

MUNSTER: D Crotty; M McPhail, M Mullins, J Holland, M Lawler; J Staunton, E Reddan; S Kerr, A Long, F Roche, T Hogan, S Keogh, D Leamy, C McMahon, J Williams, Replacement: C O'Sullivan for D Crotty (65 mins); T Hayes for T Hogan (73 mins).

CELTIC WARRIORS: E Lewis; G Wyatt, S James, L Thomas, A Havili; N Jenkins, P John; P Booth, M Rees, C Horsman, D Jones, N Budgett, M Lewis, C Harris, R Parks. Replacements: M Molitika for C Harris (54 mins).

Referee: A Ireland (SRFU)