Kieran Campbell has backed his Ulster A squad, sponsored by CD Group, to top their British & Irish Cup pool after a superb 38-21 win over London Scottish at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.
Campbell’s men travel to Jersey this weekend for a crunch game that could see them earn a home quarter-final.
“That was a huge, important five points for us,” he said following the six-try win over Scottish.
“It maintains our position at the top of the group and it gives us a great opportunity to get a home quarter-final.
“We take it one game at a time and we have to make sure we deliver performances that not only gets us the points and gets us to where we need to be in terms of the competition, but also a performance that the boys can be proud of and does the jersey justice.”
The former Ulster scrumhalf paid tribute to the impact made by some of his more experienced players, such as Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy, Robbie Diack and Ricky Lutton.
“I think you’ve got to take your hat off to the senior players. They gave us real direction at times and led from the front. They gave the young guys a bit of confidence and helped them to deliver as well.
“In every game bar the first game we’ve had comeback victories so we have resolve and character in the team and that’s something I’m very proud of.”
While Friday’s victory all but secured a B&I Cup quarter final berth for the first time in five seasons, Campbell said there is still plenty to work on for his charges.
“Our inaccuracies at times let them into the game and we had two or three chances in the first half that we didn’t take. At half time we discussed retaining the ball in the right areas of the pitch and getting our returns from there. We were much improved after the break - we scored some lovely tries and that was very pleasing.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Jersey, Campbell said there was a positive feeling in the camp. “We have real belief that we can go away there and put in a performance that delivers us a home quarter final. That’s what the objective is and that’s hopefully what will come from the game.”
Campbell’s men travel to Jersey this weekend for a crunch game that could see them earn a home quarter-final.
“That was a huge, important five points for us,” he said following the six-try win over Scottish.
“It maintains our position at the top of the group and it gives us a great opportunity to get a home quarter-final.
“We take it one game at a time and we have to make sure we deliver performances that not only gets us the points and gets us to where we need to be in terms of the competition, but also a performance that the boys can be proud of and does the jersey justice.”
The former Ulster scrumhalf paid tribute to the impact made by some of his more experienced players, such as Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy, Robbie Diack and Ricky Lutton.
“I think you’ve got to take your hat off to the senior players. They gave us real direction at times and led from the front. They gave the young guys a bit of confidence and helped them to deliver as well.
“In every game bar the first game we’ve had comeback victories so we have resolve and character in the team and that’s something I’m very proud of.”
While Friday’s victory all but secured a B&I Cup quarter final berth for the first time in five seasons, Campbell said there is still plenty to work on for his charges.
“Our inaccuracies at times let them into the game and we had two or three chances in the first half that we didn’t take. At half time we discussed retaining the ball in the right areas of the pitch and getting our returns from there. We were much improved after the break - we scored some lovely tries and that was very pleasing.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Jersey, Campbell said there was a positive feeling in the camp. “We have real belief that we can go away there and put in a performance that delivers us a home quarter final. That’s what the objective is and that’s hopefully what will come from the game.”