Munster Girls Win First Interprovincial Clash

Munster and Ulster Under 18 Girls made history in Malahide when they played the first ever inter-provincial game at that age grade. Munster emerged with a comprehensive win on a scoreline of 31 points to nil.

This was the first game for Ulster and the second for Munster, who played English champions Worcester recently. Munster showed the advantage of having that earlier match together as they put together a performance that oozed cohesion and stucture. Munster showed greater organisation in creating multiple phases of play, before unleashing their pace backs to score.

Young Fermoy star Ashling Hutchings breached the Ulster defences for tries on three occasions, showing blistering pace out wide on each occasion. It was a try by Ashling that opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the game when she left the Ulster defence in her trail. The conversion kick was missed.

From a ruck in the centre of the field Clanwilliam centre Sarah Keane took a great line with pace through the Ulster centres and scored a fine try. She then duly supplied the additional two points by converting her own try. Five minutes later Ashling Hutchings was back on the scoresheet with another unconverted try.

Ulster were not put off by the 17 point margin and, as each minute went by, were beginning to use possession more effectively, launching some excellent attacks on the Munster defences. The remainder of the first half was a much more even affair with both sides locked in some great exchanges.

Munster had the better of matters in the early part of the second half and put some great passages of play together. Continuity was the name of the game now and the ball moved from wing to wing, involving forwards and backs. This stretched the Ulster defence and one of these gaps was exploited in fine style by Eileen Shanahan from Thurles. Ashling Hutchings took over the kicking duties from Sarah Keane, who had retired injured. Ashling slotted the conversion kick and the margin between the sides stood at 24 points.

Ulster came back with determination but this was matched by Munster’s obvious decision that they were not going to concede access to their line easily. There were some great displays of attack and defence as Ulster hammered the Munster line, before Ashling Hutchings swooped on a loose ball and sprinted the length of the field to complete her hat-trick of tries. She then converted her own try, leaving the final score-line at Munster 31, Ulster 0.

Munster and Ulster Under 18 Girls made history in Malahide when they played the first ever inter-provincial game at that age grade. Munster emerged with a comprehensive win on a scoreline of 31 points to nil.
This was the first game for Ulster and the second for Munster, who played English champions Worcester recently. Munster showed the advantage of having that earlier match together as they put together a performance that oozed cohesion and stucture. Munster showed greater organisation in creating multiple phases of play, before unleashing their pace backs to score.
Young Fermoy star Ashling Hutchings breached the Ulster defences for tries on three occasions, showing blistering pace out wide on each occasion. It was a try by Ashling that opened the scoring in the fifth minute of the game when she left the Ulster defence in her trail. The conversion kick was missed.
From a ruck in the centre of the field Clanwilliam centre Sarah Keane took a great line with pace through the Ulster centres and scored a fine try. She then duly supplied the additional two points by converting her own try. Five minutes later Ashling Hutchings was back on the scoresheet with another unconverted try.
Ulster were not put off by the 17 point margin and, as each minute went by, were beginning to use possession more effectively, launching some excellent attacks on the Munster defences. The remainder of the first half was a much more even affair with both sides locked in some great exchanges.
Munster had the better of matters in the early part of the second half and put some great passages of play together. Continuity was the name of the game now and the ball moved from wing to wing, involving forwards and backs. This stretched the Ulster defence and one of these gaps was exploited in fine style by Eileen Shanahan from Thurles. Ashling Hutchings took over the kicking duties from Sarah Keane, who had retired injured. Ashling slotted the conversion kick and the margin between the sides stood at 24 points.
Ulster came back with determination but this was matched by Munster’s obvious decision that they were not going to concede access to their line easily. There were some great displays of attack and defence as Ulster hammered the Munster line, before Ashling Hutchings swooped on a loose ball and sprinted the length of the field to complete her hat-trick of tries. She then converted her own try, leaving the final score-line at Munster 31, Ulster 0.
Great credit is due to both teams for serving up a great display of rugby and the scoreline did not reflect what was a more even game than the numbers might suggest. Munster’s greater organisation as a team won out on this occasion, but watch out for Ulster next season!
Munster Squad
Lisa Anglim
Anna Caplice
Niamh Coman
Lorraine Culbert
Danni Delahunty
Louise Egan
Louise Fitzgerald
Mary Rose Flanagan
Mary Kate Glynn
Ashling Hutchings
Sarah Keane
Sandra Keane
Rachel Kelly
Kristina Kenneally
Tracy Lawlor
Shona Lenihan
Rosie Lynch
Clare Merrigan
Molly O’Donnell
Danielle Ryan
Eileen Shanahan
Rachel Wallace

Great credit is due to both teams for serving up a great display of rugby and the scoreline did not reflect what was a more even game than the numbers might suggest. Munster’s greater organisation as a team won out on this occasion, but watch out for Ulster next season!

Munster Squad
Lisa Anglim
Anna Caplice
Niamh Coman
Lorraine Culbert
Danni Delahunty
Louise Egan
Louise Fitzgerald
Mary Rose Flanagan
Mary Kate Glynn
Ashling Hutchings
Sarah Keane
Sandra Keane
Rachel Kelly
Kristina Kenneally
Tracy Lawlor
Shona Lenihan
Rosie Lynch
Clare Merrigan
Molly O’Donnell
Danielle Ryan
Eileen Shanahan
Rachel Wallace