Connacht Women's Rugby side suffer inter-pro defeat to Ulster
CONNACHT were forced to settle for fourth place in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship after Ulster secured a 29-10 play-off victory at Dexcom Stadium on last Saturday afternoon.
Having beaten Ulster 15-10 at the start of the campaign, Connacht were unable to repeat that success as their northern opponents produced a much-improved display to claim third place.
Connacht made the perfect start, with Claremorris teenager Aoife Heaney scoring after just 78 seconds on her first senior start.
The Ireland Under-18 starlet announced herself in impressive fashion as Anna McGann released her from 60 metres out. Heaney showed excellent pace and footwork to shrug off Claire Boles before racing down the right touchline and finishing superbly.
Ulster responded almost immediately, taking advantage of a series of penalties as Sadhbh McGrath went close before Olivia McKinley burrowed over from close range. Abby Moyles converted to put the visitors 7-5 ahead.
Ulster’s improved lineout provided the platform for Maebh Clenaghan to score from a controlled maul, extending their advantage to 12-5.
Connacht responded through Méabh Deely, who crossed for an unconverted try following some strong work from co-captain Aoibheann Reilly.
However, Ulster began to build momentum and Connacht’s discipline proved costly when Ailish Quinn was shown a yellow card for deliberately knocking down a pass.
Ulster made immediate use of the extra player, with Clenaghan crossing for her second try from another powerful lineout drive in the 24th minute.
The visitors continued to make ground through their direct carrying game and added a fourth try before half-time. Moyles released Niamh Marley after another strong passage of forward play, with the Ulster winger managing to ground the ball despite Emma Kelly’s efforts to hold her up.
Moyles converted to leave Connacht facing a 24-10 deficit at the interval.
Connacht came close to a dream start to the second half, with Stacy Hanley and Clare Gorman both going close. Gorman was unable to gather Síofra Hession’s low pass with the line in sight.
The third quarter was scoreless as Connacht defended resolutely under sustained Ulster pressure, particularly at scrum time.
Rain made conditions increasingly difficult, with handling errors becoming more frequent. Connacht full-back Clara Barrett was unable to capitalise on a promising attack after losing possession, while further knock-ons from Hession and Barrett prevented Craig Hansberry’s side from building sustained pressure inside the Ulster 22.
Despite Connacht’s efforts, Ulster remained in control and eventually added a fifth try five minutes from time.
A clever cross-field kick from Moyles bounced perfectly for replacement Siobhán Sheerin, who went over untouched in the left corner to seal a 29-10 victory.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Connacht, who had beaten Ulster in the opening round and lost 37-30 in last year's corresponding play-off, but they were ultimately unable to contain an Ulster side inspired by player-of-the-match Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan.