Defending champions Leinster begin Interpro campaign with win over Connacht

Player-of-the-match Katie Whelan touched down in each half as Leinster secured a big win.

STAR OF THE SHOW: Leinster's Katie Whelan celebrates winning player of the match. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

LEINSTER 38 CONNACHT 19

Vodafone player-of-the-match Katie Whelan touched down in each half as defending champions Leinster began the new Interprovincial campaign with a double-scores 38-19 win over Connacht at Energia Park.

Tania Rosser's side shot straight to the top of the Interprovincial Championship table after gaining some revenge for last year's surprise 18-17 first round loss to Connacht in Galway.

Most of the damage was done during a fast-paced first half, as tries from returning winger Ella Roberts, scrum half Whelan, Aoife Dalton, and attack-minded full-back Emma Tilly established a 22-7 half-time lead.

Connacht replacement Faith Oviawe was excellent during her 50 minutes on the pitch, matching Whelan's brace with two tries of her own.

Collectively, it was a much better second period from Emer O'Dowd's young squad who can bring some momentum with them to Belfast next week.

Nineteen points was as close as it got thanks to further Leinster scores from Caoimhe Molloy and Whelan, yet Rosser's charges, who travel to Munster in the second round, let their discipline slip and lost Molly Boyne and Jane Neill to yellow cards.

Scorers for Leinster

Tries: Ella Roberts, Katie Whelan (2), Aoife Dalton, Emma Tilly, Caoimhe Molloy.

Cons: Nikki Caughey (4).

Scorers for Connacht

Tries: Faith Oviawe (2), Laoise McGonagle.

Cons: Nicole Fowley (2).