Bandon's Ben Ridgeway stars in Munster loss

DESPITE Bandon’s Ben Ridgeway try-scoring heroics, Munster came up short in their bid to win the Junior Interprovincial title.

The West Cork man had scored a try in the victory against Ulster the previous week and he went one better here as he ran in two tries – but it wasn’t enough as Connacht came from behind to beat Munster 29-21.

Munster were in with a shout of winning the overall title, depending on the result in the Leinster and Ulster game. But while Munster needed to beat Connacht away they came up short, despite leading 14-10 at half time.

As well as scoring two tries, Ridgeway kicked three conversions. Leinster’s 28-20 win against Ulster means they retain the title while Munster finished bottom of the table.

As in the previous two games there was a strong West Cork look to the Munster team. As well as Ridgeway, Bandon RFC were represented by Olan Crowley, Scott Kingston and Tom Ferguson, who all started. Olan Deane (Clonakilty) and Jack Breen (Skibbereen) both started too, while Skibb duo Daniel Duggan and Kieran Shannon were both replacements. Jamie Kind (Crosshaven) and Rob Armstrong (Kinsale) were also replacements.