Ulster Bank League: Division 1A Reviews - UCD vs YOUNG MUNSTER

UCD 20 YOUNG MUNSTER 13, Belfield Bowl
Scorers: UCD: Try: Andrew Porter; Pens: Matthew Gilsenan 5
Young Munster: Try: Rob Guerin; Con: Alan Tynan; Pens: Alan Tynan 2
HT: UCD 9 Young Munster 10

Leinster prop Andrew Porter scored a crucial try for UCD as they overturned a half-time deficit to defeat second-placed Young Munster 20-13 at the Belfield Bowl.

In a week in which Porter's first senior contract with the province was confirmed, the powerful 21-year-old returned to club duty with UCD and helped them to their first win in three games.

Young Munster were back in action just five days on from their Munster Senior Cup final loss to Cork Constitution and they were missing a couple of key men in centre Cian Bohane, the scorer of two late tries against Garryowen and St. Mary's recently, and talismanic captain Sean Duggan.

It was a real Jekyll and Hyde first half performance from UCD who shot into an early 6-0 lead thanks to two Matthew Gilsenan penalties but suffered three yellow cards before the interval.

In windy conditions, Tipperary youngster Alan Tynan kicked a penalty and then added a superb touchline conversion to his half-back partner Rob Guerin's late try. However, there was still time for Gilsenan to answer back with his third penalty success before referee Mark Patton's half-time whistle.

Once restored to their full complement, UCD forced the issue again with their scrum getting on top - Porter showed his versatility on the tighthead side - and skipper Jamie Glynn scampering up the touchline on a day of rare breaks.

Surefooted out-half Gilsenan kicked the home side back in front with another penalty in the rain before his own tap-and-go sparked a frenzied attacking spell - upwards of 20 phases - which ended with Porter barging over for a 64th minute try.

Tynan made it a four-point game with a fine long range strike, but despite ending the match with 14 men, Gilsenan completed his 15-point kicking contribution by punishing a tackle without the ball on Sean McNulty with five minutes remaining.

Andy Skehan's victors are back up to sixth spot in the top flight standings, while Young Munster face a real battle to hold onto that home semi-final place - Cork Constitution and defending champions Clontarf are now only one and two points behind them respectively.