Dominant Munster remain top
Munster remained at the top of the Magners League with a convincing 28-14 victory over Edinburgh at Thomond Park.
Last Updated: 21/02/09 10:12pm
Munster remained at the top of the Magners League with a convincing 28-14 victory over Edinburgh at Thomond Park.
First-half tries from Doug Howlett and Tony Buckley sent the hosts on their way while scores from Keith Earls and debutant Ciaran O'Boyle after the break sealed the bonus point.
The Scots replied with tries from Ben Cairns and Chris Paterson but they finished well beaten in the end.
They were soon on the back foot as the home forwards clicked into gear and their impressive surges set up Howlett in the 10th minute, who escaped the clutches of Andrew Turnbull and Cairns to cross in the right corner.
Paul Warwick converted from the touchline but the lead lasted a mere eight minutes after Alan MacDonald snaffled a lineout ball on the Munster 22, and the ball popped up nicely for Cairns to score to the left of the posts.
But six minutes before half-time Munster grabbed the lead back when a surge from Earls carried his side to within scoring range, and when scrum-half Peter Stringer cleverly switched the direction of play Buckley was able to dance past Paterson for the score.
Warwick converted for a 14-7 interval lead but Munster were unable to build on it after the break, with Edinburgh causing trouble at the lineout and winning several turnovers.
Paterson and Warwick missed a penalty each but the Irish broke the deadlock when Howlett took possession after Paterson failed to gather a garryowen, and Lifiemi Mafi's weighted kick put Earls over on the left.
Warwick added the two and victory was sealed when O'Boyle intercepted a stray pass from Edinburgh replacement Bruce McNeil to score unopposed.
Paterson grabbed a consolation try seven minutes from time after good work from David Blair but Munster were full value for the five points.
