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Connacht 14 - 5 Munster
Scattered showers but overall dry with sunny spells were the conditions as Connacht took on Munster in the second round of the PWC U18 Women Interprovincial game at Corinthian Park in Galway.
Connacht lined out with the hopes of building on last weeks win v Ulster, while Munster looked to bounced back after their first-round defeat to Leinster.
Connacht were under pressure from the start giving away two soft penalties early but an opportunistic turnover, saw captain Síofra Hession make a fantastic line break to score the first of the afternoon, which she converted herself giving Connacht a 7-0 lead after just 2 mins.
Discipline made things difficult for Connacht but excellent breakdown and ball carrying skills led to their second try, with second row Faith Durkan using her strength to power over the line. Hesssion made no mistakes with the conversion, Connacht led14-0 after 8 minutes.
Munster saw themselves with a slight advantage after Ruby Jennings earned a yellow card for a high challenge. However it was short lived as Munsters Lani O’Donavan joined Jennings in the sin bin after her try saving cover tackle caught Kate Gallagher high and both sides were down to 14.
Connacht Róisín Power received Connacht’s second yellow for a high tackle but Munster were unable to capitalise on the extra player going into the dug outs 14-0 at half time.
Munster starting second half quick with a penalty from the kick-off giving a strong attacking platform with the lineout. Handling was once again Munsters enemy with another knock which gave Connacht a chance to exit.
Munster sustained strong pressure, a quick tap and go saw them finally rewarded as Tuathal Ryan powered over, this would be their only score of the game as the conversion was dropped short O’Donavan. Connacht still leading 14-5.
Munster launch the first real attack since the try in the 48th minuet but excellent goal line defence from the girls in green saw them withstand the Munster onslaught.
Munster continued to ask the questions of the Connacht defence but again Connacht had the answer holding Munster up on the line denying Sarah Keavey.
The final quarter was a real arm wrestle in the midfield, but strong Connacht defence was enough to prevent any late come back from the girls in red helping them to their second win in a row. The final score in Galway, Connacht 14-5 Munster.
Connacht
- Ciara Corrigan (Creggs RFC), 2. Uillin Eilian (Tuam/Oughterard RFC), 3. Grace Kellett (Westport RFC), 4. Faith Durkin (Ballinrobe RFC), 5. Katie Griffin (Loughrea RFC), 6. Anna McDermott (Ballinasloe RFC), 7. Ruby Jennings (Claremorris RFC), 8. Róisín Power (Ballinasloe RFC), 9. Meabh Flannery (Corinthians RFC), 10. Carla Palasz (Westport RFC), 11. Roisin O'Sullivan (Ballinasloe RFC), 12. Siofra Hession (Creggs RFC) Captain, 13. Émer Collins (Ballina RFC) 14. Kate Gallagher (Ballina RFC)15. Aoife Heaney (Claremorris RFC)
Replacements; 16. Amy O'Toole (Tuam/Oughterard RFC), 17. Cairínn Kearns (Gort/Monivea RFC), 18. Louise Seoighe (Tuam/Oughterard RFC), 19. Evie Kennedy (Balina RFC), 20. Isabelle Quinn (Creggs RFC), 21. Katie McNamara (Loughrea RFC), 22. Aoibh Morrow (Connemara RFC), 23. Esther Olanrewaju (Balinasloe RFC)
Munster
- Tuathla Ryan (Ballina-Killaloe RFC) 2. Erin Ridgway (Kinsale RFC/Dolphin RFC) 3. Ella Buckley (Kanturk RFC/Ballincollig RFC) 4. Cailinn O’Brien (Garryowen RFC) 5. Aoife Grimes (Shannon RFC) 6. Elena O’Brien (Midleton RFC) 7. Roxanne Llewellyn (Clonakilty RFC) 8. Sally Kelly (Ennis RFC), 9. Mia Hennelly (Ballina-Killaloe RFC),10. Lani O’Donavan (Clonakilty RFC) 11. Grace Kingston (Bantry Bay RFC), 12. Lily Byrne (Dolphin RFC), 13. Niamh O’Mahony (Bandon RFC/Ballincollig RFC), 14. Siobhan O’Callaghan (Ballincollig RFC), 15. Clodagh McCarthy (Clonakilty RFC)
Replacements; 16. Roisin Cullinane (Midleton RFC), 17. Ella Guerin Crowley (Killarney RFC), 18. Alice Buckley (Kanturk RFC), 19. Leona Arra (Clonakilty RFC), 20. Julie Finn (Clonakilty RFC), 21. Sarah Keavey (Ennis RFC), 22. Abi Kelly (Ennis RFC) (30’-14) 23. Alice O’Donovan (Bantry Bay RFC)
