Ulster Juniors completed their 2016 Inter-Provincial series campaign on Saturday 14th May, when they hosted Leinster at Coleraine RF&CC.
Junior Inter-Provincial Series
Ulster 15 Leinster 33
After a sloppy start, knocking on while attempting to catch the kick off, Leinster kept possession for the opening three minutes and scored a well worked try on the right wing. Ulster then worked themselves into the game, playing some smart rugby and looking dangerous. After making their way up the pitch, Curtis Stewart made the breakthrough for Ulster, forcing his way over the line from short range after 11 minutes. Chris Cousens converted and then added a straight forward penalty in front of the posts on 20 minutes to give Ulster the lead 10-5.
Having taken the lead and hoping to kick on from here, it was the Ulster discipline that cost them. Leinster closed the gap after 34 minutes with a penalty and then right on half-time they were awarded another penalty in front of the Ulster posts following a cynical infringement at the breakdown. Adam McGregor was shown the yellow card and the penalty was dually converted to give Leinster the lead at half time 10-11.
Not much went right for Ulster in the second half, despite weathering the storm of being down to 14 men for the first nine minutes. Leinster extended their lead to 10-14 with a penalty on 52 minutes before the crucial moments that won the game for Leinster on 62 minutes. Ulster missed a tackle in the midfield, allowing Leinster a very soft line break. The cover defence scrambled well as the Leinster man chipped the ball ahead and was then taken out. After consulting with the linesman, a penalty try was awarded and converted. From the restart, Leinster went straight back up the pitch, offloading at every opportunity and scoring in the right hand corner. Twelve points in a matter of two minutes had the score at 10-26 to Leinster.
Ulster again rallied and had some intensive pressure, being held up over the line. Chris Nash eventually scored on the left touchline after 68 minutes to give the home team a glimmer of hope but they could not manage another score. Leinster broke away again to score under the posts with the last play of the game, leaving the final score Ulster 15 Leinster 33.
Junior Inter-Provincial Series
Ulster 15 Leinster 33
After a sloppy start, knocking on while attempting to catch the kick off, Leinster kept possession for the opening three minutes and scored a well worked try on the right wing. Ulster then worked themselves into the game, playing some smart rugby and looking dangerous. After making their way up the pitch, Curtis Stewart made the breakthrough for Ulster, forcing his way over the line from short range after 11 minutes. Chris Cousens converted and then added a straight forward penalty in front of the posts on 20 minutes to give Ulster the lead 10-5.
Having taken the lead and hoping to kick on from here, it was the Ulster discipline that cost them. Leinster closed the gap after 34 minutes with a penalty and then right on half-time they were awarded another penalty in front of the Ulster posts following a cynical infringement at the breakdown. Adam McGregor was shown the yellow card and the penalty was dually converted to give Leinster the lead at half time 10-11.
Not much went right for Ulster in the second half, despite weathering the storm of being down to 14 men for the first nine minutes. Leinster extended their lead to 10-14 with a penalty on 52 minutes before the crucial moments that won the game for Leinster on 62 minutes. Ulster missed a tackle in the midfield, allowing Leinster a very soft line break. The cover defence scrambled well as the Leinster man chipped the ball ahead and was then taken out. After consulting with the linesman, a penalty try was awarded and converted. From the restart, Leinster went straight back up the pitch, offloading at every opportunity and scoring in the right hand corner. Twelve points in a matter of two minutes had the score at 10-26 to Leinster.
Ulster again rallied and had some intensive pressure, being held up over the line. Chris Nash eventually scored on the left touchline after 68 minutes to give the home team a glimmer of hope but they could not manage another score. Leinster broke away again to score under the posts with the last play of the game, leaving the final score Ulster 15 Leinster 33.