Irish Interpro Series kicks off

The four-province tournament (also featuring Connacht and Ulster) sees the best players from Ireland’s provinces go head to head. Selection for Ireland’s Six Nations campaign is usually based on form and progression in the series.

Munster defeated Connacht 12-37away from home in their first game at  the Sportsground, Galway.

Munster took the lead after just a couple of minutes when Ireland fullback Niamh Briggs burst through a gap in midfield and set up Aimee Lee Murphy Crowe to score to give her side a 5-0 lead.

Connacht hit back though and from a quickly taken penalty, hooker Tanala Kehoe dotted down with Clare Raftery adding the extras for 7-5 lead.

Munster struck next with Aoife Doyle getting on the end of some slick hands and Briggs converted before Connacht levelled up the entertaining opening exchanges with a try from Mairead Coyne.

Munster drove over again though, this time from a well worked maul with Fiona Hayes coming up for the ball and just before the break, Doyle touched down again to give Munster a 12-22 halftime lead.

Munster opened the second half strongly within five minutes had extended their lead. A penalty for offside led to a cleanly won lineout, three quick rucks followed by fast hands across the backs allowed winger  Lee Murphy Crowe get her second try of the day.

The lead was further extended by a Briggs penalty after fifty minutes from 30 metres. On the hour mark, Ger Rea won a turnover ball on halfway, Briggs outwitted the defence and released Doyle for her hat-trick try and Briggs added the points for a 37-12 score.

Connacht to their credit did not give up and their pressure was rewarded on the 75th minute when the Munster defence was breached by fullback Coyne for the last score of the game finishing up 17-37 to the reigning champions.

Leinster were dominant winners over Ulstertaking out an opening day win41-7at Ravenhill.

Irish international Sophie Spence began her Leinster debut in some style, running in a score from the half way line, and despite the best efforts of Ulster, it was this continued blistering tempo, that allowed Leinster to dominate the first half.

Michelle Claffey then raced over and added a try in the corner, after punishing forward momentum from the 22 from the visitors.

A lovely chase down by Nora Stapleton, and quick offload, allowed Janice Daly to touch down for further points. A converted penalty try catapulted Leinster into then an almost unassailable lead. The dominance didn't stop there, and a great pass from Sharon Lynch to Aine Ni Chathain in anther score between the posts.  With half time looming, Spence ended the first half with her second try of the match.

The hosts were much improved after the break, dominating territory and possession for large chunks. But Leinster too looked dangerous and replacement Chrisy Doyle touched down with 15 minutes remaining following a well-executed backline move from a 5m scrum.

Ulster got a consolation score late on when scrumhalf Imogen Porter dived over from close range after good work from Grace Davitt and Jemma Jackson. Davitt, whose strong defence and penetrating runs were major positives for Ulster, added the extras. A number of their younger players also stood out and they will be pleased to have battled to win the second half 7-5.