Fifth Interpro Title For Munster Women

The Women’s Interprovincial Final took place in Donnybrook on Saturday with Munster defeating Leinster 21-3 to claim their fifth Interprovincial title in a row.

An experienced Munster women's side travelled to Dublin with view of an historic fifth Interpro title in sight.

The Joy Neville led pack dominated the set pieces giving Munster a superior platform to work off for the 80 minutes.

The visiting side led 10-3 at the break thanks to tries from Louise Austin and Sarah Jane Cody. Fullback Niamh Briggs had yet to find her kicking boots after missing a penalty and both conversions.

On the return Munster continued their momentum and broke the Leinster line again, this time Laura Guest sharing the spoils.

Leinster responded with a strong challenge putting Munster under pressure, but were unable to convert their opportunities.

On a day when the extreme weather conditions and the freezing temperatures played their part handling errors ensued for both sides. But the wealth of experience in the Munster squad paid dividends in the end as they mounted a final challenge and were rewarded with two penalties, with Briggs on target for both, giving the Munster women a comprehensive 21-3 victory against Leinster.

Munster Women’s Squad: Niamh Briggs (Clonmel), Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohs), Mairead Kelly (UL Bohs), Geraldine Rea (Highfield), Sarah Jane Cody (UL Bohs), Helen Brosnan (Highfield), Louise Beamish (UL Bohs), Laura Guest (Highfield), Christine Fanning (Highfield), Gillian Bourke (Bristol), Heather O’Brien (Highfield), Karen Casey (Highfield), Louise Austin (Blackrock), Siobhan Fleming (Tralee), Joy Neville Capt. (UL Bohs). Replacements: Donna Hughes (Highfield), Fiona Reidy (UL Bohs), Orlaith Buckley (Highfield), Helen Jones (Highfield), Clara Bracken (Clonmel), Olivia Stapleton (UL Bohs), Nicola Scully (Clonmel).

Head Coach: John O'Sullivan Assistant Coach: Marie Barrett