The match started with a bang for Leinster, as Robyn O'Connor broke through the Ulster defence to score the opening try within the first two minutes. Jemma Farrell's successful conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead. Ulster responded with increased pressure, but Leinster's defence held firm.
Despite the early setback, Ulster remained composed and continued to press, with strong performances from Vicky Irwin, Brenda Barr and Lauren Farrell-McCabe. Their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Brittany Hogan managed to touch down in the corner, reducing the deficit to 7-5. Abby Moyles' successful conversion levelled the score.
Leinster regained the lead before halftime with a try from Ruth Campbell, giving the visitors a 14-7 advantage at the break.
HT: Ulster 7 - 14 Leinster
The second half saw Leinster continue to dominate, with their powerful pack and clinical finishing proving too much for Ulster's defence. Leah Tarpey, Linda Djougang, Emma Tilly, Eimear Corri, and Kelly Burke all crossed the whitewash for Leinster, extending their lead throughout the half.
Ulster's Brittany Hogan scored her second try of the match in the 59th minute after some excellent attacking from the powerhouse number 8. The final scoreline of 39-14 did not reflect the closeness of the contest, as Ulster battled hard throughout the match.
While the defeat is disappointing, Ulster can take heart from their performance. They competed fiercely against a strong Leinster side and showcased their resilience and determination. In comparison to last year’s defeat against Leinster 53-5, it is clear the side have come such a long way as a team.
Ulster's next challenge will be to bounce back from this loss and focus on their upcoming match against Connacht next weekend in the 3rd/4th place playoff.
### Teams
Ulster
(15-9) Lauren Farrell-McCabe, Lucy Thompson, Catherine Martin, Vicky Irwin, Lauren Patterson, Abby Moyles, Kathryn Dane (C)
(1-8) Megan Brodie, India Daley, Sophie Barrett, Cara O'Kane, Brenda Barr, Moya Hill, Maebh Clenaghan, Brittany Hogan
Replacements: Christy Hill, Bronach Cassidy, Ava Fannin, Ellen Patterson, Stacey Sloan, Rachael McIlroy, Megan Edwards, Lucinda Kinghan
Leinster
(15-9) Robyn O'Connor, Emma Tilly, Aoife Dalton, Leah Tarpey, Ella Roberts, Jemma Farrell, Jade Gaffney
(1-8) Linda Djougang, Sarah Delaney, Christy Haney, Ruth Campbell, Eimear Corri, Caoimhe Molloy, Molly Boyne, Hannah O'Connor (C)
Replacements: Aoife Moore, Kelly Burke, Niamh O'Dowd, Aoife Wafer, Clodagh Dunne, Ailsa Hughes, Nikki Caughey, Anna Doyle
### Scorers
Ulster
Tries: Brittany Hogan (2)
Conversions: Abby Moyles (2)
Leinster
Tries: Robyn O'Connor, Ruth Campbell, Leah Tarpey, Linda Djougang, Emma Tilly, Eimear Corri, Kelly Burke
Conversions: Jemma Farrell (2), Nikki Caughey