Ulster kicked off playing into the wind, the ball did not go ten and a scrum back was taken. Despite this set back Ulster stuck to the task well and played brilliantly in the first half.  Munster missed a penalty on 5 minutes on a rare incursion into the Ulster half. Ulster were securing turnover ball but not making full use of it. Dominic Gallagher was everywhere, tackling, securing ball and supporting ball carriers.

On 15 minutes following a good line out taken by James Simpson in the Munster 22, Ulster drove the Munster pack back, the ball was released and Robert Irvine danced through the Munster defence to score beside the posts. Michael Lawton converted.  Unfortunately 5 minutes later Ulster fumbled the ball on their own 10 metre line, in a planned back row move and Owen Reece (Highfield) picked up the loose ball to score an undeserved try. He converted his own try.

This spurred Ulster into attack and they returned to the Munster half and only good Munster defence kept them from scoring. Ulster confidence was high and they refused a kickable penalty to kick to the corner. Another  good line out take and drive, four phases of play and Lewis Jones scored a try half way out.  Ulster continued to play good rugby for the remainder of the half.

Half time winning 12 points to 7, completely in control in all facets of play, turning round with the wind in their backs, the huge travelling support from Ulster were looking forward to more of the same and a comfortable win.

What happened in the second half is impossible to explain. It is never easy to win in Munster at any age or Club level and the Munster spirit took over and they began to play some good rugby. Ulster like a fast flowing game but they could not get any continuity going in a stop, start, first part of the second half. Meanwhile the Munster confidence was increasing and Ulster became frustrated and started making fundamental mistakes.  High tackles, balls kicked directly out when outside the 22, knock on’s, turnovers and when on 15 minutes the touch judge stepped in to point out foul play by Ulster, Doyle converted a penalty.

Ulster tried hard but could not play the corners and use the wind effectively. Munster were now playing well and had their tails up and on 25 minutes Reece scored a try which was converted by Doyle. Ulster were now down 17 -12 but they did not give up. The coaches introduced fresh legs with Josh Donaldson replacing Stephen Irvine. The whole front row were replaced by Jonathan Carscadden, Robert Smyth and Kenneth Pollin.. Nicholas McMurrray came onto the back row. Daniel Whitten replaced Robert Irvine and Nathan McMullan replaced Michael Lawton.

The changes worked and Ulster began to press but Munster broke out of defence and were stopped short of the line. They continued to press and were given a penalty in front of the posts.  Adrian Doyle scored the penalty and with the score at 20 – 12 to Munster with 2  minutes left Ulster knew there was no way back.

Now Ulster now play Connacht on Saturday 29th September with a 1.00 pm kick off at “The Cran” at Clogher Valley Rugby Club.

Connacht beat Leinster 17 – 0 on Saturday and will be a tough task as they use a combination of Schools and Youth players in their team.  A repeat of the first half performance against Munster will secure a deserved win for the Ulster side.