In the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, Munster and Leinster emerged victorious against Connacht and Ulster respectively, earning their spot in next Saturday’s final. The upcoming match will see a rematch of Munster and Leinster, who previously faced off on Munster’s home turf. Despite a late attempt to regain control from Connacht, Munster managed to come out on top in a 29-24 win at the recently updated Dexcom Stadium situated in Galway. Meanwhile, in Belfast, Leinster boasted a convincing 39-14 win against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium. The same locale will be hosting the final next week, as well as the third and fourth-place matchup between Connacht and Ulster.
Determined to continue their unbeaten run in this year’s Championships, Munster took an early lead against Connacht, thanks to a dynamic duo made up of captain Chloe Pearse and star player Chisom Ugwueru, both of whom scored within the first six minutes. Alana McInerney, Ugwueru’s peer on the wing, further increased Munster’s advantage, scoring at the 26-minute mark. This is impressive considering her already notable performance with a hat-trick in the first round win over Ulster and another admirable try against Leinster.
Munster was able to secure their bonus point due their fourth try, scored by hooker Beth Buttimer. Even though Connacht gave an impressive last-minute effort with a try from their hardworking flanker, Faith Oviawe, they were facing a 22-5 deficit at half-time.
McInerney managed to breach Connacht’s defence once again for her second try 57 minutes into the game, seemingly sealing Munster’s win. However, Connacht showed great resilience, refusing to back down. Inspiring performances by Orla Dixon’s double tries and Ireland’s co-captain Edel McMahon’s strategic scoring kept Connacht’s hopes alive till the very end, falling short just by five points at the final whistle.
The end-game rally of Connacht will indubitably bolster their morale preceding their upcoming third/fourth face-off with Ulster in Belfast next weekend.
Ulster, the region up north, contested the middle one of three home matches against Leinster on Saturday, only to suffer an early setback with a converted try by Robyn O’Connor, Leinster’s fullback. Brittany Hogan, ever-reliable, managed to bring Ulster back into the game with a similar contribution in the 21st minute, but Leinster regained control as the first half neared closure.
Whilst capitalising on the groundwork set by Eimear Corri, Ruth Campbell the lock, found a way to cross over for a try, a feat that was embellished by Jemma Farrell’s second additional score of the event.
Leinster entered half time 14-7 up and increased their lead in the second half as Leah Tarpey and Aoife Wafer contributed their tries, allowing the visitors more comfort.
Meanwhile, their opponent, Ulster, was given some encouragement by Hogan, the star player, who managed to secure her second try. However, Leinster didn’t take a backseat and showcased their flair in the last quarter. Kelly Burke ended her first senior appearance the for province with a finale five-pointer, whilst Emma Tilly and Eimear Corri, the player of the match, managed to cross the opposition’s line to conclude a relentless performance led by Tania Rosser’s squad.