Connacht secured a 15-10 victory over Ulster in the opening match of the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship at Affidea Stadium, with the visitors emerging as the stronger side in the second half of a competitive fixture.
The match began with Connacht taking the initiative, as Meabh Deely’s cross-field kick reached Anna McGann on the wing. McGann used her pace to score the opening try of the contest. Though Deely missed the conversion, Connacht maintained attacking pressure throughout the early exchanges. Ulster defended steadily despite continued threats from the visitors, with significant carries and attacking positioning from Connacht nearly yielding additional points. The hosts responded with disciplined play, and a yellow card shown to Kara Mulcahy for failing to retreat correctly gave Ulster territorial advantage. Ulster captain Claire Boles then crossed for a try to level the match at 5-5 by halftime.
The second period began slowly before Ulster’s home support energized the team, and Sophie Barrett scored to give the hosts their first lead. However, Connacht shifted momentum decisively in the final quarter, with McGann again proving central to the attack before scoring her second try from close range. Deely converted this occasion, extending Connacht’s advantage. Ulster was penalized for crossing at a scrum, allowing Deely to add a penalty goal and establish breathing room for the visitors.
Ulster made a late push for points, but Connacht held firm to secure the win. Following the match, captain Boles acknowledged that her side lost control in the closing stages. She expressed pride in the team’s performance and commitment despite the defeat, emphasizing the squad’s strength and belief for upcoming matches. Ulster will face Munster next on 15 August, followed by Leinster a week later in their round-robin schedule.
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