In a tense and exciting affair on Saturday afternoon, Munster U19s defeated Ulster U19s 17 – 13 at the Queen’s Arena, Belfast.

Munster’s Sean Ives surprised Ulster with an early try, but Gareth Millar’s penalty kick quickly put Ulster back in the game, taking the score to 3 – 5

After a fierce first half, Munster led 3 – 12 thanks to a try by Conor Fitzgerald.

The visitors kicked off the second half with another quick try as their captain, Alex McHenry went over to push the score along to 3 – 17 a minute into the second half.

But Ulster came storming back! Andrew McPhillips scored a fantastic try, closing the gap to 8 – 17.

With tensions spilling over, both teams made some changes and of Ulster replacement, Daniel Coulter, scored within minutes to take the score to 13 – 17.

Ulster put immense pressure on Munster’s defense in the final minutes with several players coming close but the visitors held firm and were delighted to take a 13 – 17 win home.

Ulster U19: Andrew McGreggor (Instonians RFC), Andrew McPhilips (Belfast Harlequins RFC), Callum McLaughlin (Ballynahinch RFC), Josh Jordan (Methodist College), Robert Balacoune (Portora RS), Paul Kerr (Methodist College), Neil Kilpatrick (Loughborough University), Anton Lupari (Rainey Endowed), Ben Pentland (Ballynahinch RFC), Philip Matthews (Armagh RFC), Robin Sinton (Banbridge RFC), Josh McKinley (Armagh RFC), Marcus Rea (Ballymena Academy, Captain), Jonathon McKeown (Ballymena Academy), Zach Jordan (Methodist College). Replacements: David Cooper (RS Dungannon), Blaise McKnight (Queen’s University), Josh Bill (Ballymena Academy), Peter Doran (RS Dungannon), Daniel Coulter (Edinburgh University), Michael Stronge (Ballymena Academy), Ryan Wilson (Ballynahinch RFC), Jonathon Haldane (Campbell College).

Munster XV: Liam Coombes (CBC/Skibbereen), Sean Ivess (Shannon), Alex McHenry (Captain) (CBC), Peadar Collins (Ardscoil Rís/Garryowen), Glen Dickenson (Crescent College Comprehensive/Young Munster), Conor Fitzgerald (Ardscoil Rís), Daryl Egan (Rockwell College), Joey Conway (Castletroy College), Mark O’Mara (Castletroy College/Old Crescent), Dylan Murphy (Roscrea School/Bantry Bay), Fineen Wycherly (Cistercian College Roscrea), Gavin Coombes (Bandon Grammar School/Skibbereen); Bailey Faloon (Crescent College Comprehensive/Garryowen), Ross O’Neill (CBC/Cork Constitution), Alan Fitzgerald (Castletroy College/Shannon). Replacements: Shane Bushe (CBC/Crosshaven), Conor Beary (Shannon), James Kendrik (Rockwell/Clonmel), Kevin O’Leary (Dolphin), Brian McLoughlin (Rockwell), Jack Stafford (Glenstal Abbey School/Wexford Wanderers), Jack O’Donell (Ardscoil Rís/Shannon), Jack Quilter (Tralee).

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Image credit Bog Given