The Ulster U18 Girls got off their Inter-Provincial campaign off to a winning start on Sunday afternoon in Virginia RFC, scoring 7 tries to secure a 37-12 win over Connacht.
Bethany McDowell got Ulster off to a strong start by crashing over the line in the first two minutes of the game. Mya Alcorn was next to cross over, running in a try from 40 metres, which Lisa Mullen converted.
Connacht bounced back with some excellent runs up the middle of the pitch, but pressure from the home side created a knock on. Quick hands and skilful support play saw Ellie Ingram in for Ulster’s third try of the afternoon.
Connacht’s pack and their hard-running centres continued to put Ulster under pressure, hard hits coming from Emma Kearney and Keelin Brady and the boot of Mullen kept Connacht at bay.
Try number four came from a great pack effort, when McDowell crossed over for her second try before the half time whistle.
Connacht came out in the second half, wanting to be the first to put points on the board, and they did in spectacular fashion with a try in the corner, leaving the score at 22-5.
Ulster responded once again, bouldering up the pitch with fresh legged Tammy Millar bursting through the Connacht defence several times. Good footwork from Kelly McCormill sent Lucy Turkington in for the home side’s fifth try of the game. Moments later, some individual flair play from Ellie Ingram saw yet another try for the home side.
Connacht kept their heads up and worked their way into the Ulster’s half for another well worked try, leaving the score at 32-12.
Not to be outdone in front of their home support, Ulster worked through several phases and got the ball out to the ever impressive McCormill to finish the game off 37-12.
Credit must go to both teams for a fantastic, fast flowing game of rugby. A special mention to Connacht who kept fighting until the final whistle and also Virginia RFC for their hospitability on the day.
Ulster will travel to North Kildare this Saturday (30th September) to take on Leinster in the second round of games, kick off 1.30pm.
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Want to know more about the Ulster U18 Girls squad of 2017? Check out this video produced by the Ulster Women's PRO Stephen Hetherington...
Bethany McDowell got Ulster off to a strong start by crashing over the line in the first two minutes of the game. Mya Alcorn was next to cross over, running in a try from 40 metres, which Lisa Mullen converted.
Connacht bounced back with some excellent runs up the middle of the pitch, but pressure from the home side created a knock on. Quick hands and skilful support play saw Ellie Ingram in for Ulster’s third try of the afternoon.
Connacht’s pack and their hard-running centres continued to put Ulster under pressure, hard hits coming from Emma Kearney and Keelin Brady and the boot of Mullen kept Connacht at bay.
Try number four came from a great pack effort, when McDowell crossed over for her second try before the half time whistle.
Connacht came out in the second half, wanting to be the first to put points on the board, and they did in spectacular fashion with a try in the corner, leaving the score at 22-5.
Ulster responded once again, bouldering up the pitch with fresh legged Tammy Millar bursting through the Connacht defence several times. Good footwork from Kelly McCormill sent Lucy Turkington in for the home side’s fifth try of the game. Moments later, some individual flair play from Ellie Ingram saw yet another try for the home side.
Connacht kept their heads up and worked their way into the Ulster’s half for another well worked try, leaving the score at 32-12.
Not to be outdone in front of their home support, Ulster worked through several phases and got the ball out to the ever impressive McCormill to finish the game off 37-12.
Credit must go to both teams for a fantastic, fast flowing game of rugby. A special mention to Connacht who kept fighting until the final whistle and also Virginia RFC for their hospitability on the day.
Ulster will travel to North Kildare this Saturday (30th September) to take on Leinster in the second round of games, kick off 1.30pm.
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Want to know more about the Ulster U18 Girls squad of 2017? Check out this video produced by the Ulster Women's PRO Stephen Hetherington...