Leinster had the first kick of the game on a windy day here at Kingspan Stadium, kicking towards the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand. They dominated the early stages, with a try right through the posts coming from Teniola Onigbode in the first 8 minutes. Aoibhe Kelly added the extras, giving Leinster a 7-0 lead. Despite strong performances from Niamh Fulton and Caitlin Crowe defensively, Leinster’s Kate O’Molloy got it across the whitewash in the 18th minute, giving them a comfortable lead of 12-0.
Ulster were quick to respond, when powerful duo Olivia McKinley and Cara McLean broke into the Leinster 22 just two minutes later, and it was captain, Cara McLean who would send the ball over the gainline, reducing the deficit to 5-12.
Leinster would have the final say of the half, with Diana Izekor running the ball over just before the half-time whistle.
HT: Ulster 5 - 17 Leinster
Leinster were first to score in the opening of the second half, with Teniola Onigbode picking up her second try of the game, after an excellent carry from Grainne Cleary. With the conversion going wide, the scoreboard read Ulster 5 - 22 Leinster. Ulster were not giving up, and responded with a powerful performance, piling pressure onto the Leinster defence. After great attacking from Niamh Fulton and Caitlin Crowe, Sinead Bowers launched the ball over the whitewash, taking the score to 10-22 in the 41st minute. Sinead Bowers' try, which came after a sustained period of pressure from Ulster, ignited hopes of a comeback.
Leinster, however, were not to be denied. The visitors' attacking flair was on full display, with their backs combining effectively to create scoring opportunities. Diana Izekor and Teniola Onigbode picked up another try each, Onigbode with a magnificent run from the half-way line, extended the visitor’s lead to 10-34.
Ulster’s resolute response led to a try coming from second row, Olivia McKinley in the 57th minute. Elise McDermott added the extras, taking the score to 17-34.
Ulster were not backing down, and a fire had been lit in the closing moments of the game. Ulster remained on the attack with great performances from Cara McLean and Amy McConkey, however, a penalty try to Leinster extended the gap to 17-41 in the 63rd minute. Ulster fought to the death, with Olivia McKinley picking up her second try of the game in the final minute, with Elise McDermott once again converting, final score reading, Ulster 24 - 41 Leinster.
The team's commitment and effort were commendable, and there were several individual performances that stood out. Cara McLean was outstanding, providing a constant threat with her presence at every breakdown, and the pressure she piled onto the Leinster defence. Olivia McKinley was also impressive, carrying the ball strongly and making several crucial tackles.
Ulster will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against Munster next week, where they will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and continue their development.
FT: Ulster 24 - 41 Leinster
### Teams
Ulster
(1-8) Cara McLean (C) (Larne), Elinor van Lill (Virginia), Grace Simati (Letterkenny), Olivia McKinley (Banbridge), Maeve O'Dwyer (Virginia), Dulcie Bowden (Cooke), Laura Scott (Ards), Niamh Fulton (Malone)
(15-9) Aoibhin Smith (Virginia), Tess McFadden (Monaghan), Amy McConkey (Cooke), Caitlin Crowe (VC) (Cavan), Sinead Bowers (Enniskillen), Elise McDermott (Limavady), Erin Robinson (Ballymena)
Replacements: Aoife Prunty (Monaghan), Rachael Henderson (Clogher Valley) Orlaith Maguire (Enniskillen), Sarah Corry (Enniskillen), Brooke Schoenfeldt (Banbridge), Julia Mulligan (Enniskillen), Kaitlyn McMorrow (Letterkenny), Abi Carson (Malone)
Leinster
(1-8) Katie O’Driscoll (Suttonians RFC), Katie Kearney (Navan RFC), Shannon Codd (Wexford Wanderers RFC), Roisin Ridge (Seapoint Rugby Club), Mia Rowan (Longford RFC), Katie Anne Bobbett (Ashbourne RFC), Viktorija Kubiliute (Wexford Wanderers RFC), Usha Daly O’Toole (Gorey RFC)
(15-9) Teniola Onigbode (Clontarf FC), Diana Izekor (Longford RFC / Wilson’s Hospital), Gráinne Cleary (Mullingar RFC), Molly Whately (Dundalk RFC), Kate O’Molloy (Dundalk RFC), Sophie Malone (Dundalk RFC), Aoibhe Kelly (Tullamore RFC / Roscrea RFC) CAPTAIN
Replacements:
Orla O’Keeffe (Portarlington RFC)Kate Noons (Cill Dara RFC), Moya Murtagh (Mullingar RFC), Kate Miller (Cill Dara RFC), Shona Flanagan (New Ross RFC), Laura Walsh (Athy RFC), Ellie White (Cill Dara RFC), Rebecca Cahill (Portlaoise RFC)
### Scorers
Ulster
Tries: Cara McLean, Sinead Bowers, Olivia McKinley (2)
Conversion: Elise McDermott (2)
Leinster
Tries: Teniola Onigbode (3), Kate O’Molloy, Diana Izekor (2)
Conversions: Aoibhe Kelly (2)
Penalty Try: 1