In cold but perfect playing conditions in RavenhillUlster struck 1^st with a 3^rd minute penalty and followed up with a sustained period of pressure before Connacht levelled after half an hour. Miah Nikora kicked the points after Ulster were forced to give away a penalty deep in their own half. That pressure had come from some excellent Connacht attack with powerful drives from the forwards coupled with sharp attacking lines from the backs. Ulster regained their composure and much of the first half was played inside the Connacht half, Ian Humphries missing a kickable penalty from the 22 with 10 minutes left in the half.

Miah Nikora’s boot pinned Ulster back into their own half and Connacht made good inroads but with time all but up in the 1^st half Craig Gilroy crossed in the corner for the 1^st try of the night and with Humphries unable to convert the touchline kick the halftime score finished Ulster 8 3 Connacht

Connacht conceded a try straight from the kick off when Tom Court crashed over after a number of big pick and drives, Ian Humphries converted from under the posts. Connacht were unlucky to lose possession from a number of driving mauls inside the Ulster 22, referee John Lacey awarding the resulting scrum to Ulster after it appeared they had collapsed the maul and Connacht were forced back into their own half.

Ulster made a number of unforced errors inside the Connacht 22 allowing the visitors field position. Connacht were unable to convert their possession into points and most of the second 40 minutes were played inside Connacht’s half. Despite a resurgence from Connacht replacements John Muldoon and Niall O’Connor, along with a change of front row and new half-backs Connacht were unable to capitalise on the fresh legs and with the last play of the game Ian Humphries ran in under the posts to leave the final score Ulster 22 Connacht 3

Pictures (C) www.inpho.ie/Cathal Noonan