Ulster Women lost out to Connacht in this thoroughly enjoyable Inter Provincial match at Portadown Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon. They now end the series with three losses but, despite the results, they have something to build on if Ulster Rugby weighs in with the appropriate support.

This match had always been a target for Ulster and they set about the game with some confidence in the opening exchanges. Playing into a stiff wind they defended well, and gradually worked their way up-field. Colette Broome and Naomi McCullagh ruled the line out and the back row of Lauren Maginnes, Niamh Fitzgerald and Noreen Nethercott performed well at the breakdown providing a plentiful supply off ball.

Ulster were guilty of kicking away too often but as the confidence grew Eliza Downey sparked a series of attacking drives that ended with Jemma Jackson sliding over for their first try this season to give Ulster a deserved 5 – 0 lead after 20 minutes.

Unfortunately some of the Ulster players were guilty of too much celebration as Connacht hit back almost immediately to level the score and the game spiralled into controversy minutes later as Connacht were awarded a second try despite an obvious forward pass, as called by the assistant referee. The referee overruled and Connacht lead 5 – 10, however Ulster have only themselves to blame for their poor concentration during this period.

The hosts recovered their composure and the teams turned round without the scoreboard being troubled further.

With the strong wind behind them the bulk of the second period took place in the Connacht half and the pressure eventually told with veteran Grace Davitt, in her final appearance in an Ulster shirt, breaking through the defence to cross under the posts. Jackson converted and Ulster led 12 – 10 with fifteen minutes left.

Connacht weren’t going to go down without a fight and once again they crossed within minutes of the Ulster score to lead 12- 15 sparking a final onslaught from the home side.

In a pulsating final ten minutes Ulster sent in wave after wave and created enough chances to at least draw the game with a couple of kick-able penalties ignored by their desire to win. However all credit to Connacht who defended resolutely, sometimes inches from the line, to claim the win in this fantastic advert for Women’s Rugby.

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

Connacht: Ruth O’Reilly, Ciara Farrell, Amanda Kelly, Marion Sheridan, Rita Breen, Heather Cary, Grainne Egan, Clodagh Cleary, Mary Healy, Nicole Fowley, Jill Draper, Emma Clery, Sene Naoupu, Ursula Sammon, Mairead Coyne. Replacements: Ciara O’Connor, Laura Feely, Eimear Murphy, Catriona Cassidy, Carol Staunton, Clare Raftery, Niamh Ni Dhroma, Emer O’Mahony

Gallery below