Munster Women Topple Leinster To Claim Interprovincial Title

Munster Women pushed past Leinster 11-5 at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon to be crowned Interprovincial Series champions in the final match of their campaign.

The boot of scrum-half Ellen Murphy and the power of try-scorer Gillian Bourke sealed victory and the title for the squad, who led 6-0 at half-time.

A Leinster try from Alisa Hughes gave hope to the visitors in the second-half, but it was to be Munster’s day at Thomond.

Early pressure from Leinster in the opening minutes was soaked-up by the Munster defence before a series of penalties went the way of the hosts, resulting in a period of sustained pressure.

Blindside flanker Ciara Griffin made several dents with go-forward ball as the back-line showed signs of promise, centre Niamh Kavanagh impressing early on with a break through the midfield.

Laura O’Mahony and Syphonia Pua combined well on the left wing to create space before Munster were awarded a penalty in front of the posts in the eighth minute.

Murphy stepped up to convert the opportunity and record Munster’s first points of the match as Laura Guest’s side made a strong start.

The Munster scrum-half was involved in attack minutes later and showed terrific pace on the break to combine with out-half Rachel Allen.

Munster were then awarded a penalty, which Murphy struck from the left to extend the host’s lead and go six points ahead in the 11^th minute.

Leinster began to build phases to counter Munster’s bright start and secure possession in the opposition 22 but a series of knock-ons prevented points on the board.

Out-half Sene Naoupu and full-back Nicole Carroll made a break through the Munster defence as Leinster finished the half in high spirits.

An impressive driving maul kicked-off the second-half for Munster as the forwards provided a solid platform from which to attack.

In the 50th minute, prop Bourke barged her way over left of the posts following several drives from the pack towards the line.

Leinster soon responded to Munster’s pressure with wing Susan Vaughan looking dangerous on the break and it wasn’t long before possession was converted into points.

A dominant rolling maul gained yards for the visitors before scrum-half Hughes broke free and raced over the line to secure Leinster’s only try of the match in the 60^th minute.

Leinster maintained the majority of possession in the closing stages with number 8 Paula Fitzpatrick carrying effectively into the Munster 22.

Naoupu made use of the momentum created by the Leinster forwards before prop Lindsay Peat knocked the ball forward.

The Munster defence remained strong and kept the pacey Leinster backs at bay before the ball went into touch to signal the end of a competitive final encounter and Munster’s Interprovincial campaign title.

Half-time: Munster Women 6-0 Leinster Women

Full-time: Munster Women 11-5 Leinster Women

Referee: Brian Deighan (IRFU)

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

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