Buttimer stars as Munster hand Leinster a thrashing
Munster defeated Leinster 39-19 in the opening match of the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship. Beth Buttimer was named player-of-the-match after scoring four tries for the winning side.
Why it matters
This match highlights the growing profile and competitive nature of women's provincial rugby in Ireland as players prepare for international competition.
Beth Buttimer starred with four tries as Munster handed Leinster a 39-19 beating on the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship's opening day.
Closing in on her first Ireland senior cap with the WXV Global Series starting next month, Buttimer made sure to put her best foot forward at Virgin Media Park. The Tipperary native and Ireland Under-21 hooker was the obvious player-of-the-match choice in an abrasive Munster pack that included debutant flanker Grace Moore.
It took just 95 seconds for Munster to take the lead. Enya Breen used an early penalty to put them close to the left corner, and a well-controlled maul saw Buttimer touch down. Leinster's lineout misfired in a similar position, and Breen, although getting through a lot of good work early on, and Dannah O'Brien both missed touch from penalties.
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