The capacity crowd at Ravenhill got behind their team right from the start of the match and many could scarely believe what they were seeing when Ulster entered the break 28 unanswered points ahead.

Tyrone Howe got the scoring underway on just 5 minutes and although a swirling wind around the ground kept Humphreys' conversion and a penalty out, he landed a three pointer on 16 minutes to put Ulster ahead 8 - 0.

Andy Ward touched down on 20 minutes, Humphreys converted and still no answer from Leicester who were battling with the wind having won the toss and opting to brave the elements in the first half.

Wardy scored his second of the afternoon on 29 minutes, again converted by Humphreys to stretch Ulster's lead to 22 points. Ulster finished the first half with two Humphreys penalties, the first coming on 34 minutes for a high tackle on Shane Stewart who was headed for the try line having been released by a Paul Steinmetz break.

The only score in the second half came early, on 34 minutes when Shane Stewart touched down after a Paddy Wallace break to secure the bonus point for four tries.

After the match, a delighted Andy Ward commented: " To deny Leicester any points was a fantastic effort." "The boys performed well in all areas and it was great to get the bonus point because it could be crucial." "Today was our day but Leicester are a strong side and we have to do it all again next week."

ulster travel to Welford Road for the second half of their back to back clash with the Tigers on Saturday.

Ulster: Wallace, Topping, Stewart, Steinmetz, Howe, Humphreys, Doak, Kempson, Sexton, S. Best, Mustchin, Frost, Ward, N. Best, Wilson.
Replacements: Shields, Moore, McCullough, Brosnihan, Campbell, Larkin, Cunningham.

Leicester: van der Westhuyzen, Baxter, Smith, Gibson, Lloyd, Pez, Healey, Rowntree, West, Morris, L. Deacon, Kay, W. Johnson, Back, H. Tuilagi.
Replacements: W. Skinner, Richards, Nebbett, M. Johnson, Vesty, Myring, Gelderbloom.

Ulster Scorers
Tries: Howe, Ward (2), Stewart
Cons: Humphreys (2)
Pens: Humphreys (3)