Junior Ulster won their first match of the 2013 inter-provincial series by beating Connacht, last year’s champions, 20-12 at Ballina RFC last Saturday.
After a cagey first twenty minutes, the deadlock was broken by a fine break by CIYMS centre Andrew Hodgen who evaded three tackles to dot down under the posts. His clubmate David O’Hara added the conversion to give Ulster a 0-7 lead.
Unfortunately for the visitors, captain Scott Nelson had to be replaced on 34 minutes due to a back injury and a reshuffle saw Paul McKenzie (Donaghadee) come on at fullback. The disruption may have caused Ulster to lose concentration as Connacht replied with a try from centre Dave Prior. Following a couple of difficult penalty misses by Ulster, the half time score was 5-7 to Ulster.
Just five minutes into the second half and after some sustained pressure by Ulster, who were now beginning to play some expansive rugby, McKenzie put Ewan Strange of Ballyclare over for a well worked try. O’Hara again added the extras . . .
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