The scoreline flattered the home side, with Ulster demonstrating lots of positives to take into their next match.
Playing into a lively wind in the first half, Ulster's attack was spearheaded by some impressive individual efforts. Scrum-half Julia Mulligan of Enniskillen RFC made a great break from a scrum, while flanker Fianche Higgins provided strong ball carrying. Both teams were fighting hard, keeping the score at a deadlock for the first quarter of the game.
Connacht, however, found space on the right wing and their winger, Kate Gallagher, scored after several phases to give her side a 5-0 lead after 18 minutes. Ulster responded with powerful centre Caitlin Crowe who was outstanding in defence, making some huge hits and producing an excellent break after 30 minutes that was only stopped by a try-saving tackle from the Connacht full-back, Roisin O’Sullivan.
Connacht added another try on 32 minutes through Anna McDermott after another sustained period of pressure. Ulster's Aoibhín Smith showed her own defensive prowess with a fantastic try-saving tackle just before the break.
HT: Connacht 10 - Ulster 0
Ulster started the second half with renewed purpose and, after an excellent break down the left wing from replacement Eunice Adesanya, Ulster finally got on the board. The forwards applied pressure, with hooker Olivia McKinley leading the charge. McKinley, who was a standout performer all day with two steals at the breakdown and an incredible tackle, was rewarded for her efforts with a try. Out-half Erin Robinson slotted the conversion, closing the gap 10-7 on the 42 minute.
Unfortunately, despite being on top for large periods, Ulster was unable to add to their score. A brave, try-saving tackle from Julia Mulligan forced her to leave the pitch with a shoulder injury. Against the run of play, Connacht scored two quick, converted breakaway tries that took the wind out of Ulster’s sails. No further scores were added, and the match finished with a final score of 24-7.
Teams
Connacht
15 Roisin O'Sullivan, 14 Kate Gallagher, 13 Esther Albert, 12 Ruth Conway (CC), 11 Aoibh Morrow, 10 Mia White, 9 Kitty Fin Sweeney, 8 Evie Kennedy, 7 Anna McDermott (CC), 6 Ruby Jennings, 5 Juno Hayes, 4 Aoibhinn Lyons, 3 Cairínn Kearns, 2 Ciara Corrigan, 1 Isabel Lynott<br>
Replacements
16 Millie Ager, 17 Holly Horkan, 18 Sharron Thornton, 19 Orla Palasz, 20 Rhea Sestak, 21 Maebh Smith, 22 Sally Fleming, 23 Julianne Moore
Ulster
15 Aoibhín Smith, 14 Natalie Turner, 13 Caitlin Crowe, 12 Brooke Schoendfelt, 11 Charlotte Thompson, 10 Erin Robinson, 9 Julia Mulligan, 8 Fianche Higgins, 7 Myah Vance, 6 Elinor van Lil, 5 Rachel Easdon, 4 Olivia McKinley, 3 Ava Boyle, 2 Alice Seaney, 1 Orlaith Maguire
Replacements
16 Ella Moore, 17 Alanna Corcoran Cusack, 18 Darcey Smith, 19 Dearbhla Smith, 20 Maisie Bowden, 21 Meabh Hull, 22 Grace Bracken, 23 Eunice Adesanya