Young Munster have moved nicely and quietly into the ideal position from which to challenge for a top four finish in Division One.

In heavy conditions at Clifford Park on Saturday they maintained their unbeaten record in the competition with a 26-12 win over Old Belvedere that was far more convincing than the scoreline would indicate.

Seven of the Old Belvedere points came in the last minute courtesy of a penalty try awarded by referee Gordon Black for deliberate infringement. But there was never any doubt as to the eventual outcome.

"The game wasn't all we would have liked it to be for the spectators; but equally it wasn't we who decided to play the league in the month of January," said Young Munster coach Brian Hickey.

"We would love to run the ball; but its not always wise to do so in these conditions and every other coach in the country will agree with that."

It came as no surprise then that all three Young Munster tries were the product of fierce relentless forward driving in a pack in which Peter Clohessy and skipper, Ger Earls, were outstanding.

Two came in a wind-assisted first half from Clohessy himself and full back Peter Boland. Aidan O'Halloran converted one of them and also landed two penalties; but both O'Halloran and Michael Lynch missed five of eight shots at goal in that opening half so Young Munster's lead at the interval could have been more than 18 points to nil.

A try by number eight Steve Walsh shortly after half time gave Belvedere some hope; but that was dashed when substitute Des Clohessy grabbed Young Munster's third try on the hour.