A PENALTY TRY at the beginning of first-half stoppage-time proved crucial on the Aviva Stadium‘s back pitch as Lansdowne held off a strong challenge from a struggling Garryowen side to record their sixth Division 1A victory of the campaign.
There was considerable interest in this encounter due to the fact that former Ireland head coach Eddie O’Sullivan has joined the Munster men in an advisory role, and there certainly was a marked improvement in the performance of the division’s bottom team.
The defending champions eventually broke the deadlock courtesy of a Scott Deasy penalty on 21 minutes, however, and following an extended spell in the Garryowen ’22’ towards the end of the half, referee Mark Connolly awarded the hosts a hard-earned penalty try.
Former Cork Con star Deasy was also on hand to secure the bonuses on offer, but with Alan Gaughan converting a late place-kick for Garryowen, there was just seven points (10-3) separating the teams at the mid-way point.
This did offer Garryowen something of a lifeline upon the resumption, and after Gaughan narrowed the deficit to the bare minimum with successful three-point attempts in the 43rd and 54th minutes, a major upset was most definitely on the cards.
Lansdowne coach Mike Ruddock (who is familiar with O’Sullivan from his time with the Welsh national team) managed to rally his troops effectively, though, and a 61st-minute placed-ball effort by the reliable Deasy was enough to propel the holders towards a much-needed triumph, in spite of the best endeavours of a spirited Garryowen.