UCD 14 - 17 YOUNG MUNSTER
Both UCD and Young Munster were going into this game with absolutely everything to play for. A win for either side (or a draw for UCD) secured their place in the AIB League so both knew it would be a battle to the end. Unfortunately for UCD, it was just that, and an absolutely heartbreaking drop goal from Young Munster’s Mike Prendergast in the dying minutes essentially sealed UCDs relegation.
Early on the Limerick side were strong and edged in front on 12 minutes when great work by Matt Costelloe set up a try for his fellow winger Stephen Carey.
The score went unconverted and McKinley, who was on the Leinster bench on Friday night, and Mark Connolly swapped penalties as Munsters took an 8-3 lead into the break.
The hugely impressive McKinley increased his influence on the game, making a 48th-minute break which led to a try for home winger Cian Aherne. Unfortunately the missed conversion left the game tantalisingly poised at 8-8.
It was a battle of the place-kickers for much of the remainder. Connolly kicked Munsters back in front on 56 minutes, only for McKinley to reply five minutes later.
Connolly clinically converted his third penalty success, following up on solid work from the forwards, only for McKinley to land another levelling penalty on 70 minutes.
Ian McKinley's third successful penalty of the game had UCD back on terms and a draw would have been enough for the students to stay up in Division One.
Then the bomb was dropped as Munster-contracted scrum half, Mike Prendergast popped up to drop a magnificent long range drop goal towards the posts to give the lead back to Young Munster, much to the delight of the travelling support and the dismay of all in Belfield.
Time ran out on a UCD recovery as Munsters held on to finish level in the final table with the students (23 points each), but a better scoring difference means Mike Lynch's men have survived in their first season back in the top flight.
Scorers:
UCD: Try: Cian Aherne; Pens: Ian McKinley 3
Young Munster: Try: Stephen Carey; Pens: Mark Connolly 3; Drop: Mike Prendergast
Photos courtesy of Tom Devaney - please click on images to run slideshow