The Inter Provincial game involving Ulster Schools’ and Leinster Schools’ U18 teams was played in near perfect overhead conditions in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Ravenhill on Wednesday afternoon the 14th September 2011. With both teams relishing the opportunity of playing on a well-manicured pitch the game was eagerly anticipated by everyone present.
Leinster kicked off and after a brief period of pressure, Ulster regained some field position with an excellent penalty to touch by Mark Best. On four minutes, some driving line-out play and continuity between backs and forwards resulted in a successful penalty kick by Ulster outside half, Justin Rea. The Leinster restart was well recycled by the Ulster forwards; ground gained by back-row and midfield plays created a second scoring opportunity for Ulster’s second penalty and Justin Rea obliged to give Ulster a 6-0 nil after seven minutes. Ulster’s Number 8, Ben Alexander, and centre Mark Best were much in evidence at this stage asking questions of the Leinster team in both attack and defence. The home sides scrum remained solid and the big tackling Best helped to keep Leinster on the back foot.
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Highlights of the penalties and play below:
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On the nineteen minute mark, the Leinster backs created space on the right flank and following a quick recycle of the ball, movement was created on the left. This was sufficient to allow their left wing, Ian Fitzpatrick, run to the line and score a try with ease. The resulting conversion was missed, but three minutes later, further Leinster pressure allowed their Captain, Daniel Leavy, to cross Ulster’s line for a second try. Again, the conversion was missed but Leinster now had a 10-6 lead which they held until the halftime whistle.
The Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ team began the second half brightly, allowing Justin Rea the opportunity to convert his third successful penalty of the game and reduce the arrears to 10-9. Then on 42 minutes, a fine piece of counter-attack play was enhanced by weak Ulster defence and the Leinster centre, Rory O’Loughlin, ran in for an unconverted try to increase his team’s lead to score to 15-9. The Ulster boys were not to be undone and replied almost immediately when the pack created a penalty opportunity on forty seven minutes for Justin Rea. Justin used the opportunity well and converted the penalty, his fourth of the afternoon to see the scoreline read 15-12 in favour of Leinster.
Interview with Peter Lowry Below
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The remainder of the match saw Leinster on the front foot, dominating field position and possession, yet stout Ulster defence kept their opponents at bay until the thirtieth minute of the second half. A five metre scrum allowed the Leinster back row to set up a strong attacking platform and their replacement prop, Cameron Higgs crossed the line for his a try. The try was converted by Stephen O’Neill to put Leinster into a 22-12 lead. With time running out, a well struck penalty by Ulster’s full back, Ross Adair, brought the score to 22-15. Despite Ulster throwing everything they could at the Leinster defence in the final seconds of the game it was all to no avail. An Ulster knock on ensured possession was lost and with Leinster playing the ball into touch in the final second of the game the final score read Ulster 15 – Leinster 22.
Throughout the second halfall of the Ulster replacements were used. It was a very spirited all-round display from the Northern Bank Ulster Schools’ squad home side and a display that was greatly improved in every respect from their previous game.
