Irish Sports News, Rugby
O’Connor Leads Leinster to Dominant Victory
Published
Leinster stormed into the Women’s Interprovincial Championship final with a resounding 75-5 victory over Ulster at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. The match was highlighted by a stellar performance from Ireland international Robyn O’Connor, who scored five of Leinster’s 11 tries.
Early Dominance
Leinster set the tone early with Aoife Dalton’s break allowing Stacey Flood to assist O’Connor for the opening try just two minutes in. Vicky Elmes Kinlan quickly added another, extending the lead to 12-0 within eight minutes.
Ulster briefly responded through Olivia McKinley, who capitalised on a penalty to score her first senior try. However, Leinster’s relentless attack saw O’Connor cross the line twice more, securing a bonus point within the first 20 minutes.
Whelan’s Hat-Trick
Scrum-half Katie Whelan added to the tally before half-time and continued her impressive form into the second half. She intercepted a pass from Ella Durkan to score her second try, and completed her hat-trick shortly after, slicing through Ulster’s defence.
Relentless Pressure
Despite their commanding lead, Leinster maintained pressure with further tries from Ruth Campbell and O’Connor. Nikki Gibson also crossed the line, but it was O’Connor who fittingly concluded the scoring, grounding her fifth try after a flowing move involving Dalton and Flood.
Ulster, facing a second consecutive heavy defeat, will look to regroup ahead of their 3rd/4th place play-off against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium.
Leinster now prepare to face reigning champions Munster in the final, set for Saturday, 29 August.
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