Leinster crush Ulster to set up Munster final clash
Ulster 14-39 Leinster
Leinster produced the goods in the second half to beat Ulster and book a place in the final of the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship against Munster.
The defending champions were ahead at the break at the Kingspan Stadium after tries from Robyn O’Connor and Ruth Campbell but a lack of composure meant the hosts were still in the game and Brittany Hogan’s try had given them hope.
But a more ruthless Leinster came out in the second period and despite another try from the outstanding Hogan, Ulster were always playing catch-up, and tries from Leah Tarpey, Aoife Wafer, Emma Tilly, Eimear Corri and Kelly Burke saw the visitors safely through.
Munster, who beat Connacht 29-24 earlier in the day, await in next Saturday’s final, which takes place in Belfast.
While the opening half was largely scrappy and stop-start, the match was lit up by O'Connor's stunning try just three minutes in.
Making her full debut, the Wexford woman (below) looked well covered when she picked up the ball 40 metres out.
However, she beat her marker and weaved between two tacklers and outpaced a fourth before dotting down with Jemma Farrell adding the extras.
It wasn't one-way traffic by any means and Kathryn Dane’s fast delivery kept Leinster on the back foot.
After a spell of pressure Hogan powered her way over with Vicky Irwin’s kick levelling matters in the 22nd minute.
Aoife Dalton thought she had restored the Leinster lead soon after but her score was disallowed for a forward pass in the build-up.
The visitors were dominating possession but Ulster’s defence, led by Irwin, was on top and time and time again repelled Leinster attacks.
Murray Houston’s side looked like they would hold out but Corri’s break in midfield led to a