Ulster U18 Girls 34 - 5 Connacht U18 Girls
Sunday 25th September at Buccaneers RFC
Tough weather conditions in Bucaneers saw Ulster U18’s have a challenging time against the young Connacht side. With the weather playing its part in testing both sides, it was Ulster who had the stronger start. A penalty was given away by Connacht in the first few minutes giving Ulster its first three points thanks to Lisa Mullen.
Connacht were quick to respond with strong play from forwards Sarah Dent and Mia Fahy. It was a frustrating next ten minutes for the Ulster girls as a strong forward pack pushed their way through Ulster’s defence to claim the first try of the match, however a narrow miss of the conversion left the score board at 5-3 after 15 minutes of play.
Both sides looked strong despite the worsening weather conditions, however Ulster were eager to get more points on the board before the end of the first half, with captain Neve Jones leading from the front with a try. Lisa Mullen added to her tally of points with the conversion.
The half-time score board read 10-5 to Ulster with both teams evenly matched.
The second half finally brought a bit a sunshine and with that it was clear Ulster had picked up their game.
A series of tries from the dynamic Brittany Hogan and Leah McGoldrick saw Ulster lead extend to 22-5 with Mullen’s boot only able to convert one of the tries.
The last 15 minutes of play saw Neve Jones push over the line for the captain’s second try of the game. The pressure from Ulster’s attack could be seen to overcome the tiring Connacht side as second row Caolinn McCormick darted down the wing for Ulster’s last try of the match.
Lisa’s Mullen’s impressive boot helped to seal Ulster victory with the final score at 34-5. Credit must be given to Connacht for an impressive performance for such a young team.
With two wins for the Ulster girls out of two game, it has set up an exciting finale to the first Inter-Provincial series against Munster at Westmantown RFC next Saturday 1st October, kick-off 3.30pm.