Ulster Juniors produced a scintillating first half of rugby at Ballina RFC on Saturday to defeat Connacht 34-5 in their second inter-provincial match of the campaign.
Playing against a stiff breeze, Richard Boyd’s side had a 24 point lead to show for their dominant opening 40 minutes.
Two tries by Coleraine back row Brian Hughes and a conversion by Mikey Poskitt gave Ulster a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes, and this was quickly followed by a try by Andy McKeen, again which was also converted by Poskitt.
Powerful driving play by the pack and some skilful interplay by the three-quarters was proving too much for Connacht as Ulster won the collisions and took all their opportunities.
Ulster continued to make light of the breeze and were awarded a further through outhalf Bokkie Carstens, who, along with his half back partner Ryan Garrett of Larne, were controlling the game effectively.
Ulster showed some sterling defensive qualities leading up to the end of the first period, with Gareth Beatty and Andrew Kelly to the fore.
Ulster then lost fullback Cartmill just before the break but they already had the four try bonus point in the bag with their line intact.
The second half was a closer contest as Connacht rang the changes, but Ulster returned to their scoring ways with a penalty by Poskitt.
In the 65th minute with a second try for Carstens and the simple conversion by Poskitt extended the lead further.
Connacht did get a late consolation try by replacement Tierney to make the final score 34-5, giving Ulster a championship-leading total of nine points.
Next week Ulster head to Longford to take on Leinster. Three teams can still win the title but Ulster have a winning destiny in their own hands.
Boyd and Robert Ford have a difficult week ahead to pick a starting XV as this squad of players continue to impress.
Playing against a stiff breeze, Richard Boyd’s side had a 24 point lead to show for their dominant opening 40 minutes.
Two tries by Coleraine back row Brian Hughes and a conversion by Mikey Poskitt gave Ulster a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes, and this was quickly followed by a try by Andy McKeen, again which was also converted by Poskitt.
Powerful driving play by the pack and some skilful interplay by the three-quarters was proving too much for Connacht as Ulster won the collisions and took all their opportunities.
Ulster continued to make light of the breeze and were awarded a further through outhalf Bokkie Carstens, who, along with his half back partner Ryan Garrett of Larne, were controlling the game effectively.
Ulster showed some sterling defensive qualities leading up to the end of the first period, with Gareth Beatty and Andrew Kelly to the fore.
Ulster then lost fullback Cartmill just before the break but they already had the four try bonus point in the bag with their line intact.
The second half was a closer contest as Connacht rang the changes, but Ulster returned to their scoring ways with a penalty by Poskitt.
In the 65th minute with a second try for Carstens and the simple conversion by Poskitt extended the lead further.
Connacht did get a late consolation try by replacement Tierney to make the final score 34-5, giving Ulster a championship-leading total of nine points.
Next week Ulster head to Longford to take on Leinster. Three teams can still win the title but Ulster have a winning destiny in their own hands.
Boyd and Robert Ford have a difficult week ahead to pick a starting XV as this squad of players continue to impress.