Keatley kicks Munster to 16-25 win over Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers 16-25 Munster, Welford Road
Scorecard

Ian Keatley contributed with 20 points as Munster boosted their chance of making into the knock-out stage of the European Champions Cup with a 16-25 win over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Sunday.

George Ford kicked a second minute penalty to get Leicester Tigers off the mark but the scores were levelled eight minutes later when Keatley slotted a three pointer for the visitors.

The home side once again reclaimed their lead when Mathew Tait crossed over in the 12th minute and was improved by Ford but Munster clawed their way back into the game with three easy penalties from Keatley as the first half ended with a 10-12 scoreline.

Leicester's constant infringements were eventually punished by referee Mathieu Raynal as Dan Cole, after conceding his fifth penalty, was shown a yellow card.

Munster made full use of the additional man advantage as CJ Stander went past the line at the start of the second half and Keatley's conversion help them stretch their lead to nine points.

However, Ford slotted two more penalties with the second one coming following a yellow card to John Ryan for an infringement at the ruck 10 metres from the Irish side's line to reduce Leicester's trail to just three points.

As the final 10 minutes, Munster returned to full strength and Keatley kicked two more penalty goals in the 72nd and 77th minutes to deny Leicester a losing bonus point and 16-25 win for the Irish province.