Munster 15
Leinster 7
MUNSTER’S WOMEN MADE it two interprovincial titles in a row as they put in an impressive performance to beat Leinster 15 points to 7 in Thomond Park.
From kick-off, the women in red made their intentions clear, dominating possession in the opening quarter thanks to an imperious display from their back row, comprising of Tralee duo Ciara Griffin and 2013 Grand Slam winner Siobhan Fleming as well as 2015 Six Nations medal winner Heather O’Brien.
However, it took until the 20-minute mark for Munster to open the scoring. Referee Helen O’Reilly awarded the hosts a penalty, with captain and out half Niamh Briggs opting to kick into Leinster’s 22 for a lineout. From this, Munster drove a powerful maul, which allowed tighthead prop Leah Lyons crash over for a try. Briggs duly converted.
This score acted as something of a wake up call for the visitors and through a strong scrummaging performance, Leinster began to claw their way back into the game. In the final few minutes before the interval, after some slick passing across the park, fullback Jeamie Deacon dotted down. Ireland out-half Nora Stapleton added the extras.
The half time score of seven points apiece did not reflect Munster’s early dominance.
In the opening minutes of the second half Leinster applied pressure but ultimately it was in vain as Munster began to turn the screw. Young scrumhalf Ellen Murphy controlled the game with great tactical awareness. At 56 minutes, Briggs nailed a penalty to edge her side ahead.
Leinster regained their composure but a clearance kick from Briggs from deep within Munster territory was fumbled into touch. Munster drove forward from the lineout with their captain eventually scoring the try close to the touchline on 62 minutes. Briggs couldn’t convert her try, missing the resulting conversion from a tricky angle.
The score line remained at 15 points to seven to Munster as they kept Leinster nullified to seal not only victory but also to retain their interprovincial crown.
Ulster 12
Connacht 15
Heading north to Portadown RFC, there was both third place and pride to play for as Ulster – who were yet to score in the competition – took on a hungry Connacht side, which despite showing endeavour in the previous rounds, were also winless.
The hosts seemed to have the measure of the Connacht scrum in the earlier minutes of the match. This persistence was rewarded with a try from Ulster out half Jemma Jackson at 13 minutes. The Queens player failed to convert her own try.
Connacht sprang back to life and just five minutes after the hosts’ score, the women from the west scoring a quick tap penalty in in the corner courtesy of fullback Mairead Coyne. Out half Nicole Fowley was off target with the extras.
This gave the visitors further momentum that lead to New Zealand born Irish international Sene Naoupu, playing at outside centre to cross the line at 23 minutes. Again, the conversion was fluffed.
For the remainder of the first half and the opening of the second stanza, both sides played free flowing rugby that involved an intriguing aerial battle. Ulster showed a significantly improved performance in comparison with their fixtures against Leinster and Munster.
At 62 minutes former Ireland international Grace Davitt gave the vocal Portadown crowd much to cheer for as she broke through the centre to score. This time Jackson struck a successful conversion.
Again, Connacht struck back immediately with inside centre Emma Clery crossing the white wash. Clare Raftery also failed to convert the score.
Despite Ulster being camped on the Connacht line for much of the closing ten minutes, Connacht hung on to win by a three-point margin. The score on the final whistle was Ulster 12 – Connacht 15.