Report | Munster Take The Spoils In Interpro Opener

Munster 39 – 19 Leinster

A seven try triumph secured the victory for the women’s side after a dogged performance against rivals Leinster in Virgin Media Park.

Beth Buttimer got scores on the board at early doors as she touched down off the back of a driving maul after just two minutes of play with Enya Breen’s conversion drifting just wide.

Centre Alana McInerney added to the tally just ten minutes later as she spun her way across the line to bring the score to 10-0.

Leinster lodged their first response in the 26th minute as captain Sarah Delaney touched down with Dannah O’Brien adding the extras.

But Munster weren’t deterred as they found themselves within spitting distance of the try line once again just three minutes later. After hammering through the phases Beth Buttimer spotted a gap and headed straight underneath the posts. Enya Breen lined up the conversion only to be blocked down in the attempt.

Heading into the sheds at half time the home side had the lead at 15-7.

Eilís Cahill was first to cross the line in the second half as she crashed over in the 45th minute with the conversion that followed drifting just wide.

Beth Buttimer added to her tally for the day just before the hour mark with Caitríona Finn adding the extras.

Leinster responded through Erin King just minutes later to bring the score to 27-14.

Munster fought back as winger Katie Corrigan sprinted up the wing to touch down in the 73rd minute. Finn converted from the touchline to bring the score to 34-14 with just seven minutes left on the clock.

Leinster were not finished as replacement Shona White crossed the white wash in the 75th minute with O’Brien’s conversion hitting the post.

But it was Player Of The Match, Beth Buttimer, that closed out the game as she crashed over for her fourth try in the 80th minute to bring the final score to 39-19.

Teams

Munster: Aoife Corey; Katie Corrigan, Alana McInerney, Lucia Linn, Chisom Ugwueru; Enya Breen, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Eilís Cahill; Clodagh O’Halloran, Jane Clohessy; Sally Kelly, Grace Moore; Maeve Óg O’Leary.

Replacements: Emma Dunican, Tuathla Ryan, Alisha Flynn, Aoibhe O’Flynn, Annakate Cournane, Abbie Salter-Townshend, Caitríona Finn, Ellen Boylan.

Leinster: Robyn O’Connor; Maggie Boylan, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Vicky Elmes Kinlan; Dannah O’Brien, Jade Gaffney; Caoimhe Molloy, Sarah Delaney (C), Linda Djougang; Ruth Campbell, Katie Jordan; Rosie Searle, Roisín Kinch; Erin King.

Replacements: Emma Jane Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Shona White, Alma Atagamen, Aoife Corcoran, Alex Connor, Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton, Emma Tilly.