The exiles started strongly and had the Ulster 19’s on the back foot. The first of many penalties committed by the Ulster boys gave the Exiles 19’s their first points after 2 minutes. The penalty was converted by Exiles out half Oliver Clements. This was the only difference between the teams for most of the first half. A squandered chance from Ulster for their first points cost them dearly.
After good footwork from out half Andrew Morrison on the half way line the Ulster side broke deep into exiles territory. Andrew was taken down but the ball went forward in the tackle giving the exiles the chance to clear their lines.
The exiles stretched their lead on the 25 minute mark with a further penalty conversion by out half Oliver Clements. This was the last score before half time giving the exiles a 6 nil lead.
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In the second half the exiles continued as they had finished the first, with a penalty conversation by Oliver Clements and some good forward play. Ulster made some changes at half time, one was Richie McMaster at out half, who converted a penalty to make the score 9 -3. The exiles came back quickly from the kick off, when the Ulster boys committed an instant penalty infringement on the ground. Clements converted to make the score 12 – 3 in the exiles favour.
As quickly as they gave away a penalty the Ulster boys pegged one back, as the exiles made a mistake from the kick off, it helped reduce the score again to just 6 points. Ulster Out Half Richie McMaster missed a penalty chance to close the scores even further.
Again the exiles raised the game putting Ulster under pressure. A further penalty for the exiles allowed them to kick for a lineout near Ulster’s line. The resulting maul gave them the platform for their backs to move the ball wide and score in the corner. Replacement out half Quinn converted to make the score 19 – 6 in the exiles favour.
Some further substitutions by the Ulster coach Niall Malone gave Ulster new impetus as they pushed forward. With some good work from the Ulster forwards and excellent continuity from both backs and forwards, James McMahon was put clear to score. The conversion from Richie McMaster reduced the score to within 6 points. The exiles came back quickly and another mistake by the Ulster players gave Quinn a further penalty chance, which he duly converted putting the exiles into a 22- 13 lead. The Ulster boys were not finished and continued their push toward the exiles line. The hard work paid off as Keith Dickson was sent in for a try in the corner. Unfortunately the conversion was missed by McMaster leaving the Ulster boys 4 points adrift. Right up to the final whistle Ulster pushed for the score that would win the game. But time ran out and the exiles finished 22-18 winners.
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