The early kick off didn't confuse any of the Ulster faithful who turned out in droves to give the players a massive boost before one of the most important games of the season.  And in fairness the Ulster players responded from the first whistle, the pride and desire to play for the badge was there from 1 - 15.
Ulster were awarded a penalty on the halfway line in the second minute, Paul Steinmetz was handed the kicking duties in the absence of David Humphreys.  Steinmetz knocked the kick over with relative ease giving the Red Hand province an early 3-0 lead.  However, this lead didn't last long and the scores were level on 7 mins when the Scarlets kicked a penalty of their own.  Both teams fought to take control of the game after this and 20 mins passed with the game being played primarily in the middle of the park.  Eventually Ulster earned a penalty inside the Scarlets half an up stepped Steinmetz again to put Ulster back in front 6-3.

Ulster pushed on from here and despite all the pressure were unable to cross the visitors line.  There were a few nervous faces in the crowd as a few people sensed that the game was not going to plan.  The forwards seemed to take the game by the scruff of the neck, Ward, Longwell, Matt McCullough and Roger Wilson always at the forefront of the action with a huge number of ball carries between them.

Eventually the pressure told and we earned another penalty, up stepped Steinmetz again to knock the kick over and give Ulster a 9-3 half time lead.

After the restart, the game deteriorated with Llanelli intent on trying to spoil the party.  They disrupted Ulster ball and threatened whenever they were in possession.  However, the home side defence stood firm and would not allow the line to be broken.

This defensive effort was rewarded after 67 mins, after a period of concerted pressure in the centre of the Llanelli half.  The ball was spun quickly to the left, Wallace fed that man Steinmetz again who saw the line in front of him, put his head down and took two tacklers over the line with him to score the try.  From the touchline, the same player calmly struck the ball between the posts giving Ulster a 16 - 3 lead and sending the crowd in a loud chorus of "Stand up for the Ulster men".

Unfortunately for Paul Steinmetz, he missed two late penalties which meant the stand in kicker did not earn his 100% kicking record.  This didn't take the gloss off his performance and he thoroughly deserved the Man of the Match award.

Final Score:  Ulster 16 v 3 Llanelli Scarlets