Just before kick off a gale began with wind and rain howling across the pitch and this continued for most of the match. The large travelling support from Ulster was treated to hostile weather conditions but a warm reception from the host Club and Glasgow youth officials.

It was a credit to both teams that some good constructive Rugby was played. Following the kick off, Glasgow pressurised Ulster and only resolute defence kept them at bay. Glasgow adapted well to the conditions and used their big pack to pick and drive at Ulster. Ulster defended well effecting turnovers mainly through Dominic Gallagher playing at open side. Eventually pressure paid off and after 10 minutes, second row James Currie (Dumfries) scored an unconverted try.

Ulster lifted their game, and Out Half Daniel Whitten began “Playing the corners” putting Glasgow under pressure. Captain Jarryd Bennett was having a good game breaking the gain line several times. Ulster were very unlucky not to score, when after several phases of play, the ball was swept wide only for the final pass to go to ground.

Ulster remained in the Glasgow half for the rest of the half but resolute defence by Glasgow prevented them from scoring.

Half Time - Glasgow 5 Ulster 0

The second half began very much as the first half finished, with Ulster pressurising Glasgow and the Ulster forwards driving at Glasgow to keep the ball and make good ground. Ulster were rewarded after three minutes with a penalty converted by Michael Lawton.

Glasgow responded and took the game to Ulster and after a good catch and drive from a lineout, were held up over the line. From the resulting scrum Ulster took a ball against the head Jarryd Bennett danced up the touch line and the danger was averted.

Ulster upped the pace and good driving runs by James Simpson put them in an attacking position. After 20 minutes Ulster were given another penalty, kicked by Michael Lawton as Ulster appeared to move into the ascendancy with a positive 6 points to 5 winning margin.

Ulster started to tire and Coach Derek Suffern introduced fresh legs. Glasgow responded with their own players and put Ulster under severe pressure. On the stroke of full time, lack of discipline from Ulster gave Scott Lowden (Glasgow High School) the chance to convert a very difficult penalty. Now losing  8 – 6 Ulster tried hard but, two minutes into injury time Lowden kicked another penalty.

Final Score  - Glasgow 11 – Ulster 6

This was a good fixture for Ulster and should prepare them well for the semi- final against Connacht on Saturday 19 Jan in Galway.

Team

M.Lawton, P.Allen, A.Malcolm. J.Bennett ( C ),J.O’Toole,D.Whitten,NMcMullan, J.Corscadden.J.Weir, R.Hill, N.Moore, L.Jones, J.Donaldson, D.Gallagher, J.Simpson

Replacements

F.Lynch (H.T for 1) R.Smyth(55 for2) K.Pollin (60 for 3)

C.Stewart (11 for 4)R.Irvine (55 for 10)  S.Irvine (55 for 6) M.Carson (60 for 9 )