Ulster Women shipped seven tries for the second game in a row, this time against Munster in the Women’s Inter Provincial’s at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon. However, despite the scoreline, this was a significant improvement on their previous outing against Leinster.

Last week it was difficult to find positives, outside of individual efforts, but this week, in a hard fought first half, it was easy to see that the coaching team of Philip Doyle and Jarrett Truscott, as well as the players, had been working hard on the teams pattern’s and the collective unit’s performances.

As it was, Ulster looked the more dangerous in the opening exchanges with Ilse van Staden leading the way in attack and defence. Unfortunately, and typical of the game, lack of control in contact cost Ulster dear and Munster, ably led by International star Niamh Briggs, capitalised on the mistakes with the talented out half crossing out wide for the opening score ten minutes in.

Ulster responded well and I found myself getting fully invested in this game from my spot behind the in goal area. From my perspective Ulster appeared hard done by with some decisions, as the home crowd ramped up the pressure on the referee, but it was Ulster’s lack of big game experience that made the difference as Munster looked sharper and more able to respond when play broke down.

Line out and scrum went OK, given the limited game time the players have had together, and youngster Kathryn Dane moved her game up yet another notch from the back of the scrum. The defensive units looked well drilled with “veterans” Grace Davitt and Eliza Downey outstanding as they comfortably repelled all that Munster threw at them.  However, Ulster looked most vulnerable when they attacked and it was from loose play at the breakdown that Munster reaped further rewards with two quick tries, from Laura O’Mahony and Leah Lyons either side of the half hour mark. Briggs converted one to give the hosts a 17 – 0 lead at the break.

Munster scored a fourth try at the start of the second half to put the result beyond doubt but Ulster put this valuable game time to good use throughout the rest of the game. Set plays improved as the game progressed and Ulster had their chances, though Briggs always seemed to pop up just in time to get the home side out of trouble with her raking kicks. Ulster did so much right but their lack of match experience let them down at key times with the fifth and sixth tries coming in quick succession; Niamh Kavanagh crossing after a charge down and Heather O’Brien finding the line off a scrum.

Briggs converted both to give Munster a rather flattering scoreline and substitute Chloe Pearse put further icing on the cake with a late try, after another Ulster attack broke down in the middle of the park. The ruthless Briggs added the extras to give Munster a 43 – 0 win.

Munster: Fiona Reidy, Amy Desmond, Leah Lyons, Róisín Ormond, Elaine Anthony, Siobhan Fleming, Ciara Griffin, Heather O’Brien, Ellen Murphy, Niamh Briggs, Laura O’Mahony, Nicola Scully, Niamh Kavanagh, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Valerie Power. Replacements: Zoe Grattage, Maura Collins, Niamh English, Gerda Coyne, Chloe Pearse, Mona Fehily, Jayne Pennefather, Edel Murphy

Ulster: Ilse Van Staden, Lesley Megarity, Shannon Heapes, Colette Broome, Naomi McCullagh, Noreen Nethercott, Niamh Fitzgerald, Lauren Maginnes, Kathryn Dane, Jemma Jackson, Eliza Downey, Claire McLaughlin, Grace Davitt, Peita McAlister, Teah Maguire. Replacements: Kelly Gormley, Sabrina Higgins, Nikita Armstrong, Sorcha Chipperfield, Shirelle Wilson, Imogen Porter, Erin Caughey, Stacey Sloan.

Gallery below