Munster 19 - 13 Scarlets: Ronan O’Gara leads way as Munster tighten grip

MUNSTER withstood a spirited comeback by Scarlets before emerging with their fourth successive Heineken Cup pool win.

James Coughlan’s second-half try while Johnathan Edwards was in the sin-bin, allied to four penalty goals by Ronan O’Gara, kept the province’s European challenge on the rails.

Scarlets hit back with a converted try by replacement Ken Owens and had they converted more of their chances, they may have sprung a surprise result.

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But Nigel Davies’ young side could not make use of their greater share of possession and Munster have now tightened their grip on Pool 1.

Munster were first on the scoreboard, via O’Gara’s first shot at goal, but Jones drilled over a penalty in the 13th minute as the visotors charged back.

Munster got their pick-and-go game going and the home pack teed up O’Gara for his second penalty and a 6-3 lead.

In the second period, Priestland moved to out-half to cover for Jones who sustained a neck strain and the tale of two No 10s continued as O’Gara watched a penalty effort come back off the right post. But he redeemed himself with a successful kick two minutes later, although Scarlets hit back with good bursts from Ben Morgan and Jon Davies.

The game swung in Munster’s favour as Scarlets flanker Edwards sacrificed himself by infringing at a ruck with a Munster try on the cards. O’Connell claimed the five-metre lineout and Coughlan drove over, with O’Gara adding the extras.

Priestland rallied his troops with a much-needed three points and some ferocious defending kept Munster out as they inched forward. A fourth successful penalty from O’Gara was the province’s only reward.

Owens burrowed over for a 66th-minute try and Priestland converted, cutting Munster’s lead to six points. But as Scarlets piled on the pressure, the home side preserved their advantage.

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