The Ulster Ravens, (sponsored by CD Group) have lost narrowly to interprovincial rivals Connacht Eagles, going down 25-20 in an entertaining encounter in the Sportsground in Galway.
New signing Tim Boys made his first appearance in an Ulster shirt, while Michael Heaney, playing at outhalf, scored 15 points, including a well taken try.
Heaney scored the first points of the game after just five minutes. The home side were judged to have not rolled away at the break-down and Heaney slotted the resulting penalty from the 10 metre line.
However, the Eagles, who had 12 senior players in their starting XV, were back level five minutes later when Shane O’Leary made no mistake with his first shot at goal.
The Ulster Ravens got the game’s first try on 21 minutes. Mark Best of Belfast Harlequins charged down an attempted Connacht clearance kick and he was fastest to the ball to get the score. Heaney added the extras and the Ravens led 10-3 with a quarter of the game gone.
However, the Eagles were soon back on terms. Connacht outside centre, Conor Finn, cut through the Ravens defence to dot down behind the posts. O’Leary converted and the sides went in all square at the break.
Half Time Connacht Eagles 10 Ulster Ravens 10
A penalty from O’Leary put Connacht into the lead for the first time in the match, before Caolin Blade increased the home side’s advantage with a well taken try on 49 minutes. O’Leary added the conversion to make it 20-10.
However, the Ravens were far from down and out and fought back into contention. Heaney added a penalty on 60 minutes and then, using all his instincts as a scrum-half, sniped over the Connacht line to get Ulster’s second try of the game.
He was successful with the conversion in front of the posts to level the game at 20 -20 with 15 minutes remaining.
However, just as it looked like the Ravens could get a result, the Eagles wrapped up a win when substitute Andrew Browne crossed in the 72 minute.
The Ravens pressed in the dying minutes but Connacht’s excellent defence held firm.
A narrow defeat, but useful game-time for senior players hoping to be involved in the upcoming PRO12 games, for young players coming through and for new signing, Tim Boys.