Impressive Munster retain title
Munster retained the Women’s Interprovincial Championship crown in style by recording a comprehensive 50-24 triumph over Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway yesterday.
Although a losing bonus point was all they required to ensure the silverware remained in the southern province, Niamh Briggs’ side were hell-bent on signing off with a third consecutive win.
Following a deadlock-breaking try from Alana McInerney in the ninth minute of the action, Munster created additional daylight in the second-quarter with quickfire finishes from Clodagh O’Halloran and Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird – the latter getting over for her fourth try of the tournament.
Connacht finally opened their account through a Clara Barrett five-pointer off Nicole Fowley’s delicate crossfield kick, but Nicole Cronin’s earlier brace of conversions helped Munster to establish a 19-5 interval cushion.
The Reds continued to attack with great intent on the resumption and excellent approach work from Aoife Corey and Dorothy Wall provided the platform for loosehead prop Roisin Ormond to cross the whitewash on 44 minutes. Connacht admirably persevered with their challenge, however, and Barrett once again profited off a precise crossfield delivery by Fowley for her second try of the game.
Yet Munster responded swiftly with tries from replacements Eilis Cahill and Rachel Allen to effectively eliminate any prospect of a Connacht fightback. While the visitors added further efforts from Cahill (her second) and Heather Kennedy in the closing stages, a resolute Connacht did gain considerable solace in the form of five-pointers from Emily Gavin and Hannah Coen.