Ulster struck early, with Ballyclare hooker Josh McColgan crashing over from a driving maul after just four minutes. Out-half Andrew Jackson converted to give Ulster a 7-0 lead. The advantage was extended five minutes later when winger Ryan McDowell showcased his pace, breaking through three defenders to score in the corner, taking Ulster’s lead to 12-0.
Connacht enjoyed periods of pressure, but resolute Ulster defence kept them at bay. Despite a strong surge from flanker Matthew McNamara, the visitors were unable to convert their early dominance into points. Ulster prop Luke Caskey was sin-binned for repeated infringements, but Connacht failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
HT: Ulster U18 Clubs 12 - 0 Connacht U18 Clubs
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Connacht initially dictating play. Centre Daniel Browne was inches away from scoring, only to be held up over the line at 38 minutes. However, Connacht’s persistence paid off when full-back Andrew Henson raced clear to score, with out-half Zack Kelly converting to reduce the deficit to 12-7.
Connacht got their second try in the 49th minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty in front of the Ulster posts and they opted to take a tap, the forwards had a couple of pick and goes before the ball was spun wide for winger Peter Moran to go over in the corner. Kelly’s touchline conversion gave Connacht the lead, 12-14.
The game turned on its head shortly after. Connacht had a five-metre lineout in their own 22, from an overthrow Ulster number 8, Sam Clarke pounded on the loose ball to cross the white whitewash, and with Jackson adding the conversion, Ulster’s lead was restored, 19-14.
With ten minutes remaining, Ulster ran riot. Captain Cameron Cummings made a powerful break before offloading to McDowell for his second try, with Jackson adding the extras, taking the score to 26-14. Replacement prop Don Farrell added a late fifth to seal a comprehensive victory for the hosts, with Jackson once more kicking the conversion, making the final score, 33-14.
While Connacht battled hard, Ulster’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The win sets up an exciting campaign for the Ulster U18 Clubs.
Match report by Ciarán Donaghy
### Teams
Ulster
(15-9) Adam Hewitt, Nathan Hamilton, Cameron Cummings (C), Josh McCaughey, Ryan McDowell, Andrew Jackson Sam Harper
(1-8) Luke Caskey, Joshua McColgan, Jonah Woolley, Archie Graham, Jayden Irwin, Dylan Fox, Harry McIlwaine, Sam Clarke
Replacements:
Killian Brolly, Lewis Robinson, Don Farrell, Harry Dougan, George Gamble, Danny Guy, Jonny Dallas
Connacht
(15-9) Andrew Henson, Peter Moran, Daniel Browne, Tristan Hoey, Zack Kelly, Cillian O'Neill
(1-8) Kailin Blessing, Seán Gannon, John Durkan, Emmanuel Olanrewaju, Dara Walsh, James Greaney, Matthew McNamara, Ruben Flynn
Replacements
Andrew Deegan, Cathal McDonagh, Dara Noone, Peter Bourke, Niall Stenson, Fiachra O'Neill, Lorcan Mullarkey , Conor Connolly
### Scorers
Ulster
Tries: Josh McColgan, Ryan McDowell (2), Sam Clarke, Don Farrell
Conversion: Andrew Jackson (4)
Connacht
Tries: Andrew Henson, Peter Moran
Conversion: Zach Kelly (2)