Tries in each half from full-back Ray Moloney and flanker Shane Hassett saw Young Munster take a 16-3 verdict over Ballymena this afternoon as the Cookies overturned last weekend's AIB Cup defeat to the same opposition.

Making it two league wins on the trot, Young Munster got off to the better start at Tom Clifford Park and they opened the scoring with a try after 17 minutes.

Lock Darragh Payne pinched a Ballymena lineout and when the ball was released, Munster-contracted scrum half Toby Morland set his three-quarters in motion. Full-back Ray Moloney came racing into the line and he got over in the corner for an unconverted score.

Three minutes later, Ballymena conceded a penalty and from near halfway Moloney struck it sweetly between the posts.

It was all Young Munster at this stage and another penalty, this time converted by centre Matthew Costelloe, had them in a comfortable 11-0 lead.

In first half stoppage time, the hosts were penalised and Ballymena scrum half David O'Hara was successful with the kick to leave it at 11-3 for the break.

Inspired by captain Sam McKinney, Ballymena dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half but they could not break down a strong Young Munster defence.

And three minutes from the end, the durable Limerick side wrapped up the points when Morland again got his three-quarters moving and winger Derek Corcoran made a great break down the touchline. He found Hassett at his shoulder and the flanker touched down to the great delight of the home crowd.

Scorers:

Young Munster: Tries: Ray Moloney, Shane Hassett; Pens: Ray Moloney, Matthew Costelloe

Ballymena: Pen: David O’Hara