Munster hold off lively Ulster in Interpro opener

Alana McInerney's first-half hat-trick of tries helped Munster hold off a battling Ulster 29-22 in the opening Women's Interpro in at Virgin Media Park in Cork.

Munster looked in control as wing McInerney's first two touchdowns - either side of a Chloe Pearse try - put them 17-0 up by the end of the first quarter.

Ulster debutant Tara O'Neill's score cut Munster's lead but McInerney completed her hat-trick to re-establish a 17-point lead for the home side by the interval as they led 22-5.

However, the home side needed a sensational second-half try from their other wing Chisom Ugwueru to maintain their lead as India Daly, Lucy Thompson and Brittany Hogan all touched down for the visitors.

Ulster dominated the second half and wasted a number of other glorious scoring opportunities as Munster were relieved to hear the final whistle.