The Scots went into the Hughenden clash as massive underdogs against the Celtic League champions but they produced a barnstorming display to dampen the spirits of the travelling fans, but boost the morale of the home fans,
Glasgow had the best of the early exchanges, but were unable to break down a determined defence who looked capable of handling any onslaught the Warriors could offer.

And indeed is was the Munstermen who scored first after soaking up the pressure. The visitors controlled the ball and earned territory before prop Simon Kerr made the decisive burst to plunge over the line for a try converted by Jeremy Staunton.

Glasgow’s hopes of a quick response went south when Gareth Maclure saw yellow for a misdirected verbal assault that found its way to the ears of referee Hugh Watkins.

But were it not for a greasy ball – or an inopportune moment of nerves the Hughenden centre almost made amends on his return to the field as the Scots enjoyed their best spell of pressure.

Maclure was perfectly placed to receive the final pass after back row powerhouse Paul Dearlove had picked up and charged 40 metres from a scrum on halfway. But the ball spilled from Maclure’s grasp just inches short of the try line.

Staunton proceeded to miss two kickable penalties and the home side cashed in with a brave rally which saw them forge ahead before the break . When winger Rory Kerr showed superb presence of mind and agility to touch down over his own head after being tackled a metre short.

Australian fly-half Dan Parks levelled the scores with the conversion before kicking Glasgow into the lead on the stroke of half-time after Munster full-back Dominic Crotty was penalised for failing to release.

It was an extraordinary turn-around, largely masterminded by the astute place-kicking of Parks which helped seize the initiative from the Irishmen.

There was further pressure from Glasgow on the restart with both captain Cammy Mather and winger Dave Millard going close to extending the lead.

But there was no stopping the home side when Kerr produced the pass which allowed Dearlove to breeze over.

Despite missing the conversion, Parks extended Glasgow’s lead to 18-7 with a penalty soon after.

However, an enthralling contest took another twist when Mike Mullins’ try, converted by Staunton, reduced the leeway to four points and set up the grandstand finish.