Munster women crowned Interpro champions on narrowest of margins

Munster and Leinster both finished level on ten championship points apiece but Munster’s superior scoring difference of +29 meant the finished ahead of Leinster who managed a scoring difference of +27.

Leinster came into the game three points ahead of Munster in a game that was streamed online. It was a tense opening half with the game and Interpro series balanced on a knife edge throughout.

Munster were awarded a penalty following a well worked move that saw Laura O’Mahony and Syphonia Pua combine well on the left flank before referee Brian Deighan awarded a penalty right in front of the posts.

Ellen Murphy slotted the kick to give Munster a 3-0 lead after eight minutes. Three minutes later Murphy combined with out half Rachel Allen to cut through the Leinster defence. Another infringement resulted in a penalty that Murphy once again converted.

A 6-0 lead after 11 minutes meant that Munster were now in the driving seat. Adam Griggs’ side responded with a concerted spell of pressure but handling mistakes and some unforced errors stifled their scoring chances.

Leinster finished the half on the attack but their efforts were halted by some stubborn Munster defence ensured they carried their 6-0 lead into the interval.

Munster Women 11 Leinster Women 5, Thomond Park
Scorers: Munster: Try: Gillian Bourke; Pens: Ellen Murphy 2
Leinster: Try: Ailsa Hughes
HT: Munster Women 6 Leinster Women 0

Munster Women: Laura O’Mahony (UL Bohemians); Laura Sheehan (UL Bohemians), Aine Staunton (UL Bohemians), Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians), Syphonia Pua (UL Bohemians); Rachel Allen (UL Bohemians), Ellen Murphy (Old Belvedere); Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians), Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians), Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians), Siobhan McCarthy (Railway Union), Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemians), Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians), Siobhan Fleming (Tralee) (capt), Anna Caplice (UL Bohemians).

Replacements: Leah Lyons (Highfield), Maura Collins (Tralee), Zoe Grattage (Highfield), Roisin Ormond (Ballincollig), Edel Murphy (UL Bohemians), Christine Arthurs (Highfield), Valerie Power (Shannon), Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird (UL Bohemians).

Leinster Women: Nicole Carroll (Suttonians); Aimee Clarke (Railway Union), Aine Donnelly (Old Belvedere), Michelle Claffey (Blackrock), Susan Vaughan (Railway Union); Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere), Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union); Lindsay Peat (Railway Union), Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union), Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere), Aoife McDermott (Railway Union), Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s), Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere), Ciara Cooney (Railway Union), Paula Fitzpatrick (St Mary’s) (capt).

Replacements: Jennie Finlay (Old Belvedere), Caoimhe Molloy (Gorey), Christy Haney (St. Mary’s), Rachel Horan (CYM), Meg Kendal (Railway Union), Megan Parkinson (Wicklow), Meaghan Kenny (Railway Union), Maria Kenny (Old Belvedere).