Superb Standard In U-18s Blitz

The Munster Girls took part in the Girls U-18 Interprovincial Development Blitz in Lucan last Saturday.

The Development Blitz saw all four provinces come together for a brilliant day's rugby at Westmanstown RFC in Lucan. The blustery conditions failed to deter the teams' impressive performances all round.

The standard of rugby on offer surpassed everyone's expectations, including Ireland Women's Sevens head coach Jon Skurr who said afterwards: "It can never be underestimated the importance of these Under-18 games each year.

"What these girls are learning about the game at such a young age is paramount for their development for the future when hopefully they push though to their senior sides and of course onto the national 15-a-side and Sevens teams in time," he said.

"Year on year the standard of decision making, balls skills, awareness of space and the set piece is improving and this season was no different. It was a joy to watch the blitz day in Westmanstown," Skurr added.

The first games of the day saw Munster take on Leinster and Connacht clash with Ulster. All of the teams boasted numerous players who were recently part of the Ireland Girls Sevens squads that travelled to Manchester for the UK School Games and Sweden for the FIRA/AER Under-18 European Sevens tournament.
Munster's Doireann Cahill tackles Leinster's Millie Sheridan. Credit: Inpho

Leinster were too strong for Munster on this occasion and emerged as 10-5 winners in a fiercely competitive match. Jayne Pennefather, who captained the Ireland U-18 Girls in their recent competitions, scored Munster's try.

In the second round of matches, Munster and Ulster took to the field in a highly competitive encounter. Ulster took the lead through a neat try by Neve Jones.

As the Munster side tried to muster the levelling score, Ulster survived attack after attack and showed their grit in defence to win 5-0. Indeed, it was a first win for the Ulster U-18 girls over their Munster rivals.