Ulster U18 Clubs suffered a 13-15 defeat against a strong Connacht side at Banbridge RFC on Saturday.
In truth, Connacht were the better team for the majority of the game, outscoring the hosts by three tries to one, but Ulster had opportunities to nick a result.
Connacht started the brighter but failed to capitalise on their early pressure and Ulster took the lead courtesy of a penalty from Dromore outhalf Trevor Morris.
But Connacht continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with two ...
Ulster U18 Clubs suffered a 13-15 defeat against a strong Connacht side at Banbridge RFC on Saturday. In truth, Connacht were the better team for the majority of the game, outscoring the hosts by three tries to one, but Ulster had opportunities to nick a result. Connacht started the brighter but failed to capitalise on their early pressure and Ulster took the lead courtesy of a penalty from Dromore outhalf Trevor Morris. But Connacht continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with two first half tries. The first came from fullback Tom McHale and before right winger Patrick Daly scored a fine individual effort to give his team a 3-10 lead at the break. Losing Ronan McCusker and Ryan Hughes to early injuries did not help the home team. Ulster started the second half in determined mood and a lineout deep in Connacht territory allowed Ulster to put the visitors under intense pressure. Eventually Connacht infringed and a Morris penalty reduced the score to 6-10. The third member of the dangerous visiting back three, left wing Paddy Griffin, also got on the scoresheet to give Connacht a commanding 6-15 lead. Ulster fought back and enjoyed a good period of pressure in the opposition half, refusing kicks at goal in favour of the touchline as they searched for a try. That score did come in the last move of the game when City of Derry centre Jack McCool crashed over for fullback Joseph Bingham to convert. Final score: Ulster 13 Connacht 15 Ulster U18 Clubs now turn their attentions to Saturday when they will host Leinster at Ravenhill in their second inter-pro fixture (kick off 2.30pm).
Ulster U18 Clubs suffered a 13-15 defeat against a strong Connacht side at Banbridge RFC on Saturday. In truth, Connacht were the better team for the majority of the game, outscoring the hosts by three tries to one, but Ulster had opportunities to nick a result. Connacht started the brighter but failed to capitalise on their early pressure and Ulster took the lead courtesy of a penalty from Dromore outhalf Trevor Morris. But Connacht continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with two first half tries. The first came from fullback Tom McHale and before right winger Patrick Daly scored a fine individual effort to give his team a 3-10 lead at the break. Losing Ronan McCusker and Ryan Hughes to early injuries did not help the home team. Ulster started the second half in determined mood and a lineout deep in Connacht territory allowed Ulster to put the visitors under intense pressure. Eventually Connacht infringed and a Morris penalty reduced the score to 6-10. The third member of the dangerous visiting back three, left wing Paddy Griffin, also got on the scoresheet to give Connacht a commanding 6-15 lead. Ulster fought back and enjoyed a good period of pressure in the opposition half, refusing kicks at goal in favour of the touchline as they searched for a try. That score did come in the last move of the game when City of Derry centre Jack McCool crashed over for fullback Joseph Bingham to convert. Final score: Ulster 13 Connacht 15 Ulster U18 Clubs now turn their attentions to Saturday when they will host Leinster at Ravenhill in their second inter-pro fixture (kick off 2.30pm).