ULSTER lost their 3rd/4th place play-off, 31-5, to Munster in the girls U18 interprovincial series at Dubarry Park, Athlone. Connacht secured the title, defeating Leinster 8-5 in the final.
Both Munster and Ulster were coming off earlier defeats in the series and played the game tight through their forwards. The game was physical and the tackling was crunching.
Munster had the bigger and better pack and they used it to the full of their advantage. Aoibheann McGrath was outstanding, giving a Peter O’Mahoney like performance at number six.
Munster started fast and Megan Crilly touched down in the third minute. Caitriona Finn kicked the conversion. Then their speedster winger, Niamh Crotty, scored another try, making it 12-0 to Munster.
Ulster did have their period of dominance. Grace Simati, Sadhbh Wells and Sophie McAllister all threw their bodies on the line for their team. They finally breached the tough Munster defence in the 19th minute. Their excellent centre, Erin McConalogue, scored the try and she went close a couple more times in the game.
Munster put on the power in the second half. They could bring in subs like Ella McCarthy and she used all of her size to bulldoze through the Ulster players. They started to run subs on and off and the game went somewhat chaotic.
Ulster were full of bravery and resilience but they just couldn’t make any inroads on the powerful Munster pack. Crotty scored her second try, the winger ran from inside her own half, avoiding a number of desperate tacklers before touching down. Then the excellent Ava O’Malley powered over for try number four and Finn converted both tries.
Credit to Ulster, they kept playing with every ounce of their fibre. But Munster piled on the agony and fittingly McGrath scored their fifth try. Finn failed with the conversion that was out on the sideline.
Munster have the bragging right of third place. They deserved their win and were the dominant side from start to finish. Ulster can have no excuses but can take some consolation from playing their part in an excellent day’s rugby from all four provinces.
Scorers
Munster: N Crotty 2 tries, M Crilly, A O’Malley and A McGrath 1 try each, C Finn 3 con.
Ulster: E McConalogue 1 try.
Munster: Megan Crilly, Grace Kingston, Lindsay Clarke, Niamh O’Mahoney, Niamh Crotty, Catriona Finn, Mia Hennelly, Tuathla Ryan, Emma Dunican, Niamh McCarthy, Sally Kelly, Aoife Grimes, Aoibheann McGrath, Clodagh O’Keeffe, Ava O’Malley. Subs Fia Whelan, Ella Buckley, Sadie Murphy.
Ulster: Natile Turner, Kaithlyn McMorrow, Erin McConalogue, Leah Irwin, Abi Carson, Amy McConkey, Megan Creighton, Grace Simati, Sadhbh Wells, Sophie McAllister, Lucy Calvin, Ruby Starrett, Jessica Wilkinson, Cara McLean. Subs Amanda Farrell, Elinor van Hill, Sarah Corry, Elise McDermott, Julia Mulligan, Caitlin Crowe, Luighneach Murnaghan.
Referee:** Jason Craughwell
**Player of the Match:** Aoibheann McGrath (Munster)
McGrath was Munster’s inspiration in a team full of warriors. Her crushing tackles and her ability to be jackal and ruthless in the ruck.
