They didnt have it all their own way as the scoreline might suggest, but Munster showed great resiliance in defence with Leinster camped on the line for long periods in the second half as Leinster's heavy pack began to catch and drive from a series of lineouts. With 10 minutes to go and the score at 18-8, Munsters inspirational captain Fiona Steed sealed the win with 2 superb tries to bring up her personal hat trick and a bonus point for the team. Munster started the game brightly and Vivian Boland at outhalf was already probing Leinsters defence with clever variations and searching kicks. After a good buildup from the forwards in the 9th minute, Jennifer O'Leary held up a pass for Patrique kelly to skirt in adjacent to the posts for the opening try. Boland converted for 7-0. Boland increased the lead with penalties in the 12th and 28th minutes before Leinster replied with a try on the stoke of halftime fro Maura Coulter. Steed scored a the first of her three tries with a wondeful solo effort two minutes into the second half for Munster to lead 18-5, and it was at this point that the Leinster forward pack began to take control out of touch and their driving play was causing serious problems , forcing Munster to concede penalties and field position.Munsters defence held firm however and only yielded a penatly from Grace Davitt for an 18-5 lead before Steed was to strike and claim the game. Along with Steed Munsters best amongst a host of outstanding performances were outhalf Vivian Boland whose control and kicking was first class and debutant Number 8 Joy Neville whose driving runs from set plays and ability to steal ball at vital times have her earmarked as a future Irish international. Munster 32 (Kelly, Steed 3 tries, Boland 3 goals, 2 penalties) Leinster 8 (Coulter try, Davitt penalty)

Munster Womens Team:

Olivia Brown, Elaine Collins, Rosemary Brown, Rosie Foley, Aisling O’Brien, Monica Dunn, Fiona Steed (Captain), Joy Neville,Louise Beamish,Vivian Boland, Lynn Cantwell, Patrique Kelly, Jennifer O’Leary,Rachel Tucker, Amanda Greensmith

Replacements: Alsion Donnelly for Greensmith 70, Edel Coen for R.Brown, Eilis Cowhey for Beamish 75, Maeve Quirke for Dunn, Clare O’Leary for Kelly 76