Munster retained the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship with a 14-5 final win over Leinster at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, on 29 August.
Hooker Beth Buttimer scored both Munster tries. Caitríona Finn converted the first and Enya Breen added the second conversion after Buttimer crossed again in the 69th minute.
The final was won in the tight moments
Leinster had enough possession and territory to make the final uncomfortable, but Munster never trailed. Kathy Baker scored Leinster’s try before half-time, leaving the champions 7-5 ahead at the break.
The second half became a contest of patience. Munster defended their line, absorbed the pressure and waited for the chance that arrived through Buttimer late on.
It was the sort of final that asks a side to keep its head when the game gets narrow. Munster did that better.
Buttimer finished the tournament on top
Buttimer had turned 21 in the days before the final and completed the championship as its leading try-scorer with eight tries. Her two in Galway delivered Munster a record 17th Interprovincial title and a second straight crown.
Nineteen members of Ireland’s newly announced WXV Global Series training squad featured in the final. The domestic championship has supplied a serious body of evidence before Ireland begin their autumn programme against the USA at Tallaght Stadium on 20 September.
Munster have the silverware. The next question is how many of this final’s standout performers can carry that edge into the international window.
Reporting: Irish Rugby, Munster Rugby