Too little too late for Leinster as Ulster hold on

Hockey: Despite being beaten by hosts Leinster in the final match of the tournament yesterday, Ulster made it a senior interprovincial three-in-a-row at Grange Road, their victories over Connacht on Friday and Munster on Saturday proving enough to retain the title.

Leinster were left to rue dropping points to both Munster and Connacht, in 1-1 and 2-2 draws respectively, as their defeat of Ulster proved too little and too late - the defending champions had already clinched the title on Saturday when a Suzanne Beaney goal gave them victory over Munster.

Beaney's score came after 16 minutes when the former Ireland forward converted a well-worked penalty corner. Ulster withstood spells of Munster pressure, with Armagh's Stephanie Quinn at the centre of much of their best defensive work, to hold on for the win.

Leinster's hopes of winning the tournament all but ended when, earlier in the day, they drew with Connacht, having trailed 2-0.

Goals from Caitlín Friel and Shona Doyle had Connacht leading by the break, but Sarah Walker pulled one back on 46 minutes and Danielle Costigan levelled nine minutes later.

Connacht maintained their fine form in yesterday's game against Munster, with Doyle again and Emily MacNicholas getting the goals that gave them a third-place finish, relegating Munster to last.

Lorna Hill and Aoife Budd, meanwhile, helped Leinster complete their campaign with a consolation 2-1 win over the champions.

SENIOR INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT

(at Grange Road)

Saturday: Connacht 2 (C Friel, S Doyle), Leinster 2 (S Walker, D Costigan); Ulster 1 (S Beaney), Munster 0.

Sunday: Connacht 2 (S Doyle, E MacNicholas), Munster 1 (J O'Loughlin); Ulster 1 (N Hamilton), Leinster 2 (L Hill, A Budd).

Final standings: 1 Ulster; 2 Leinster; 3 Connacht; 4 Munster.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times