Ulster and Leinster played out a thrilling tie on the opening day of the Interprovincial Championship at Lee Valley yesterday while defending champions Munster survived a few anxious moments in mid-afternoon to emerge 7 ½-3 ½ winners over Connacht.

After almost a decade-long absence, top-class cricket returns to Cork this weekend with The Mardyke scheduled to host the first game of the new RSA Inter-Regional Series tomorrow between North and South.