In the first junior inter-provincial match of the series, Ulster ran out comfortable 62-6 winners over Connacht at a sunny but windy Larne RFC.
Playing into the wind in the first half, Ulster went behind in the fourth minute to a Connacht penalty from outhalf Sweeney. This was cancelled out by Gary Clotworthy of Ballyclare kicking a penalty after 11 minutes. Sweeney from Connemara took Connacht to 6 points with a further penalty and what proved to be their final points of the match.
Ulster’s scrum began to dominate with an excellent display from the tight forwards and following a yellow card for a Connacht forward persistently infringing, Ulster drove over for their first try, scored by Enniskillen’s impressive no8 Jamie Johnston on the stroke of halftime. Clotworthy’s conversion was missed but his side held an 8-6 advantage at the interval.
It did not take Ulster long to get into their stride after halftime with a converted try from Bangor’s Mike Apsley. The Ulster forwards continued to provide an excellent platform and quality ball for the backs and on 50 minutes Clotworthy scored an excellent try and converted himself for a 22-6 lead.
With matches on three consecutive weekends, Ulster coaches Alasdair McKee and Paul McKenzie wisely used the rolling substitutions available to them and introduced the replacements who continued the attractive and open rugby Ulster had begun to play.
Further tries from Chris Nash (Academy), Ashley Finlay, Scott Finlay (both Cooke), Chris Hamilton (Donaghadee) and two from Jason Morgan (Bangor) were the result of some excellent handling movements as Connacht began to wilt under the pressure. Clotworthy finished with a haul of 16 points with four conversions added to his try and penalty and Morgan equalled his tally with his two tries and three conversions.
Ulster travel to Youghal to play Munster this weekend, last years winners, and can expect a tougher test. However with the skill, commitment and team spirit that was evident on this showing it should be a match to look forward to.