After opening round defeats at home to Leinster and Scarlets, Ulster A, sponsored by CD Group, earned their first Celtic Cup points with a hard fought 3-7 win over Cardiff Blues at the Welsh capital last weekend.
As Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy back row forward Marcus Rea says, despite the earlier reversals, the squad’s preparation throughout last week gave them great confidence as they made the trip to Cardiff.
“The team knew we had a lot to work on from the Scarlets game. We identified them (Cardiff) well within the week and we definitely improved on our defence, which we knew was going to be key. We were confident we had done enough during the week that we were in a good place coming into the game.”
The weather conditions turned the game into a low scoring affair, with Aaron Sexton’s breakaway try in the first half proving to be the crucial score. However, Ulster A’s young side showed plenty of character to grind out the win, with Rea central to the effort as he contributed an outstanding 65 individual involvements.
“The elements weren’t great. It was a really wet day which led to a scrappy game from both sides. We fought well for the win. That was what it took, everyone stood up and filled the shirt which was great to see.” This Saturday Marcus will be in the familiar surroundings of Eaton Park, as the Ballymena RFC clubman will have the honour of leading out the team on his home club’s ground against Dragons A in Round 4. “We can’t wait to get back out again. I haven’t had the chance to play at Eaton Park yet so far this season, so that will be nice as there are a few Ballymena lads on the team. The pitch is in good shape so hopefully we can get a good day and really show what we can do and put a few points past Dragons. “We know the first two games did not reflect well on us and we knew there were massive improvements to come. With the win on Saturday past it is something we can build on now. I do not think there is as much pressure on us, but if we can just keep playing, building as a team and a unit then things will come, Everyone is there fighting for the jersey, and if we can keep improving then the results will follow.”No-one was going to catch him from there! Here's the Aaron Sexton try that fired Ulster A to victory over Cardiff Blues A in the #CelticCup this afternoon 👇#SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/Iyw6NXREjF
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) September 22, 2018