13/05/17 Leinster 15 Ulster 35
Match report by Emily O'Neill
In the final game of The Interprovincial Series, Leinster faced a very hungry Ulster side. The match kicked off at 2:30pm in Longford RFC. The game ended in defeat for Leinster with a final score of 34-15 which saw Ulster win the series.
Ulster dominated the early stages of the game in Longford RFC and quickly found themselves deep in Leinster’s half. Leinster’s defensive line worked hard to overturn the ball and gain possession. After a brilliant kick from Liam Caddy, Leinster made their way into Ulster’s half. After a knock on by the blues, Ulster regain possession which was short lived. Leinster were awarded a line out throw in which lead to their first try of the game. The well worked short lineout resulted in Ronan Costello going over the line and giving Leinster their first five points. Gavin Kennedy missed the conversion which left the score line at 5-0 after 22 minutes.
Ulster were quick with the rebound try. After added pressure on Leinster’s defensive line, Neil Brown scored a corner try for Ulster. Allen McCluggage missed the conversion leaving the sides level at 5-5.
After an off side by Leinster, Ulster were rewarded a scrum which lead to Leinster turning the ball over and being rewarded a penalty. This brought the blues into Ulster’s 22 once again. For the next ten minutes possession was back and forward between the two sides which saw numerous line outs and scrums being awarded. In the 35th minute Leinster’s Will O’Brien was replaced by Bill Duggan due to injury. Ulster took advantage of this setback and ran in under the post once again. The try was scored by Bokkie Carstens and the conversion by Allen McCluggage. The score board read 5-12 after 35 minutes.
In the final five minutes of the first half Ulster dominated the field retaining the majority of possession which lead the game into half time.
Once again Ulster were off to a dream start for the second half where they held onto possession due to poor Leinster defence. Ulster’s Philip Cartmill added another five points to their score after scoring a brilliant try. Allen McCluggage secured the extra 2 points by kicking the conversion. After 43 minutes, Ulster were in the lead 19-5.
Leinster immediately fought back and displayed some brilliant skill. After a great breakthrough by Ivan Jacobs, Liam Caddy secured another try for Leinster. Gavin Kennedy missed the conversion which brought the score to 19-10.
In the 50th minute of the game, Ulster were rewarded a penalty which was successfully kicked by Allen McCluggage. The Ulster men were leading by twelve points with a 22-10 score line.
Leinster were quick to fight back and added immense pressure on Ulster’s defensive line. Padraic Mahon secured another try for the blues Unfortunately Kennedy missed the conversion. The score board read 15-22 at the 65th minute.
Ulster once again began to breakaway and scored two easy tries in the closing minutes of the game. In the 70th minute Ulster’s Neil Brown scored an easy try after Leinster displayed very poor defence. Allen McCluggage narrowly missed the conversion. This brought the score to 27-15. Five minutes later Mikey Poskitt secured another try for the Ulster side which he also converted. The final score read 34-15.
Ulster were awarded winners of The Interprovincial Series after winning all three of their games. Leinster found themselves in third place behind Munster, with Connacht coming fourth.
