St Marys catch Dromid to make it four-in-a-row
MUNSTER Women pushed past Leinster 11-5 at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon to be crowned Inter-provincial Series champions in the final match of their campaign. The boot of scrum-half Ellen Murphy and the power of try-scorer Gillian Bourke sealed victory, and the title for the squad, who led 6-0 at half-time. A Leinster try from Alisa Hughes gave hope to the visitors in the second-half, but it was to be Munster’s day at Thomond.
Kerry were well represented on the Munster side with Currow’s Siobhan Fleming once again an inspirational figure as captain. Ciara Griffin had her best match of the campaign as her ball carrying from the back row cut several holes in the Leinster defence. Maura Collins of Tralee RFC, Edel Murphy and Christene Arthurs also played major roles in their sides victory.
Munster captain Siobhan Fleming said after the game that she was extremely proud of her sides victory, especially after going down to Connacht early in the campaign.
“After the Connacht loss we needed to dig deep, and we did. I suppose in general we were lacking energy but we certainly put that right today. We knew that we had the talent but there’s more to winning than just that. We needed to show the pride that comes from wearing the Munster jersey, that feeling that you are unstoppable.
“As captain of the team, I always say to the girls to play with heart and courage and have no regrets. In fairness, everyone of them did the jersey proud today. Great credit must go to our coach Laura Guest. A lot of us played with Laura and it was obvious that she had the potential to be a great coach. I couldn’t be happier, and I am so proud.”
Meanwhile, the Munster men’s team made it two wins in a row when they ousted Leicester by 26 points to 15 in the European Champions Cup at Welford Road last Sunday. Ian Keatley was instrumental as he kicked six penalties and a conversion, with the try coming early in the second half for CJ Stander in an immense team performance. Munster’s try came after man of the match Peter O’Mahony stole a Leicester line out and scrum half Conor Murray offloaded to Stander who barged over the line.
O’Mahony signed a new threeyear contract for the province early in the week, and his performance showed why it was so important to keep him in the province.
JJ Hanrahan was part of the Munster match day squad. It was Munster’s first win in Welford Road in 11 years, and to rub salt into the wounds, they also became the first side to record back to back victories over Leicester in the European Cup. Munster are now firmly in charge at the top of their group with 15 points, while Racing 92 who recorded a 29-7 win over Castres lie in second place on 11 points. Munster’s next big game is a mouth watering local derby against Leinster at Thomond Park in the Guinness Pro 14 on St Stephen’s Day at 3.15.
Munster A got their B&I Cup campaign back on track with an away win over Bedford Blues this afternoon, defeating the Championship side 16-12 at Goldington Road thanks to a Ciaran Parker try, and the boot of Bill Johnston.
Currow’s Sean McCarthy once again put in a fine performance in the second row, as Munster showed a vast improvement following last week’s loss to the same opposition. Munster now lie second in the table on 13 points, and their next tie is away to third placed Nottingham on January 12.
Killarney 0 Castleisland 10
KILLARNEY lost their unbeaten record in this division when Castleisland travelled to their home patch last Saturday. Castleisland led by 7-0 at half time courtesy of a Mark Hickey try, which was converted by David Dillon. The home side came storming into the game in the second half but failed to breach the Castleisland defence for whom Adam Jensen was outstanding. David Dillon added a penalty to seal a 10-0 win for the visitors.
Killarney still finish the campaign level at the top of the table with Tralee on 20 points whilst Castleisland finish in third place on 16 points. The clubs will commence their pan Munster campaigns in the new year.
WEST MUNSTER U14 LEAGUE
Abbeyfeale 15 Killarney 24
KILLARNEY U-14 Rugby team had a very hard-fought 24 to 15 win over Abbeyfeale on Sunday last. Abbeyfeale were the stronger team throughout the first half and went into the interval 10 points ahead. Killarney faced a real battle starting the second half and showed great determination to score their first try early in the half from Hugh Walsh which was converted by out half Harry Kelly.
With no.8 Rean Colleran outstanding, Killarney added further tries from Sean Guerin, Jack Kennelly and second half sub Josh Coffey to seal a well deserved victory. Killarney finish their campaign in third place on 12 points.