Under a bright, sunny sky, the game kicked off at a frenetic pace. Ulster had the first kick of the game, with Owen O’Kane kicking towards the Family Stand. Despite some great defending from James Kerr and Russell Alo Veikune, Leinster struck first blood in the 5th minute when Bernard White breached the Ulster defence, and Luke Coffey adding the extras to establish a 0-7 lead.
The game was a game of margins, with each team putting their opponent under a lot of pressure, causing several penalties in the first half. Ulster’s first points came from a Leinster knock on, when fly-half Owen O’Kane sent the ball straight through the posts, taking the score to 3-7.
Ulster built on this momentum with a strong attack. Strong carries from Charlie Hargy and Tom Bell brought Ulster within touching distance of the try line, testing the Leinster defence. After a lineout and a fantastic maul, it was Connor McVicker who sent the ball over the line in the 22nd minute, Ulster 8, Leinster 7.
Leinster were quick to respond and after some great performances from Bernard White and Ronan Kelly, it was Kelly’s turn to send the ball over the gainline, taking the score to 8-12.
Some great defending work from Hargy, Bell and Warwick heaped the pressure onto the Leinster side, causing them to concede a scrum at the 10m line. With Ulster back in possession, great ground was made by Veikune and Kerr, but it was captain, Nathan Noble who crashed over for a try in the final minutes of the first half.
HT: Ulster 13 – 12 Leinster
The second half was a spectacle of attacking rugby, with both teams showcasing their prowess. In the opening minutes, Ulster extended their lead after an amazing carry from Connor Patton allowed Veikune to send the ball down the wing and crash it over the whitewash, the score now reading 18-12 to Ulster.
Leinster were quick to respond and narrow the gap, with hooker and captain, Lee Fitzpatrick scoring after a strong maul from the Leinster side. Coffey added the extras, edged Leinster into the lead by a single point, 18-19.
This tension would continue throughout the remainder of the game, after a disallowed Leinster try kept the score close. Possession swayed between the two teams, with great attacking and defence shown across the board. Leinster conceded a penalty for being offside in the 50th minute, and again O’Kane’s precise kicking skills saw the ball soar through the posts, pushing Ulster back into the lead, 21-19. Not even five minutes later saw O’Kane another opportunity for a penalty kick, taking Ulster’s lead to 24-19.
Leinster were back in possession and hammering the Ulster defence, phase after phase. The Ulster defence was resolute, however Leinster captain, Fitzpatrick who crashed over for his second try, taking the score level to 24-24. Coffey added the 2, pushing Leinster out in front with ten minutes to go, 24-26.
This game entered a thrilling climax when three tries came in the last five minutes. After multiple phases and pressure on the Leinster defence, it was again a successful maul from the Ulster side that saw Ollie Fitzsimmons touch down over the try line taking Ulster into the lead in the 65th minute, 29-26.
With minutes to go, Leinster were back inside the Ulster 22, with both sides digging deep. Despite excellent displays of defence from Tom Bell and James Kerr, it was Leinster’s Bernard White who crashed over the line, taking Leinster into the lead with moments left, 29-31.
However, it was Ulster who had the final say. A determined effort from Owen O’Kane saw him cross the whitewash in the dying seconds of the game, securing a dramatic 34-3 victory for his side.
The match was a testament to the talent and skill of both teams. The intensity and pace of the game kept spectators on the edge of their seats throughout. Ulster’s victory was hard-earned and reflects their growing strength as a team.
This win marks Ulster’s second consecutive victory in the Interprovincial Series, and they will face Munster at home on Saturday, 24 August at Newforge Sports Complex.
A huge congratulations to centre, Tom Bell who received Player of the Match.
### Teams
Ulster
(1-8) James Gould (Wallace HS), Nathan Noble (C)(Sullivan Upper), Ollie Fitzsimmons(Wallace HS), Adam Boyd (RBAI), Noah Bell (Banbridge Academy), Ben Moore (Wallace HS), Sam Warwick (Wallace HS), Charlie Hargy (Ballymena Academy)
(15-9) James Kerr (RBAI), Russell Alo Veikune (CCB), Connor Patton (RBAI), Tom Bell (Regent HS), Matthew Callaghan (Regent HS), Owen O'Kane (Rainey Endowed), Connor McVicker (BRA)
Replacements: Matthew Scott (MCB), Daniel Macklin-Copeland (Wallace HS), Angus Graham (Dalriada), Jack Law (Sullivan Upper), Harry Lamont (Ballymena Academy), Alex Stevenson (Wallace HS), Charlie O'Connor (RBAI), Reuben Allen (Ballymena Academy), Cian McClean (RBAI)
Leinster
(1-8) Conor Canniffe (St Michael's College), Lee Fitzpatrick (C)(Newbridge College), Harry Goslin (Belvedere College), Max Egan (St Mary's College), Jonathon Ginnety (Castleknock College), Ben O'Toole (Castleknock College), Owen Twomey (St Michael's College), Josh Mooney (Terenure College)
(15-9) Billy Cross (Newbridge College), Geoff O'Sullivan (Terenure College), Ronan Kelly (St Gerard's School), Bernard White (Blackrock College), Ethan Balamash (Terenure College), Cory O'Connor (Castleknock College), Luke Coffey (Blackrock College)
Replacements: Marcus McCarthy (Belvedere College), Ben Guerin (Blackrock College), Henry Maher (Cistercian College Roscrea), Isaac Reid (Wesley College), Geoff Wall (Blackrock College), Josh Mulligan (Gonzaga College), Andrew Stronge (St Mary's College), Paul Neary (St Mary's College)
### Scorers
Ulster
Tries: Connor McVicker, Nathan Noble, Russell Alo Veikune, Ollie Fitzsimmons, Owen O'Kane
Penalties: Owen O'Kane (3)
Leinster
Tries: Bernard White (2), Ronan Kelly, Lee Fitzpatrick (2)
Cons: Luke Coffey (3)