On Saturday the Ulster u19 squad travelled to the infamous Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin for the eagerly anticipated and believed under 19 Inter-provincial championship game against Leinster. The weather was provided for both teams, along with a loyal band of supporters waiting patiently for the start of the game. Each squad looked extremely focused and well prepared for the battle ahead, showing the crowd a glimmer of the skill and ferocity that was to come at the first blow of the whistle. 2.30pm was the time and we were ready!!
Ross Todd from Sullivan Upper School was to captain Ulster and Terenure College representative Patrick Thornton for Leinster. Both wing forwards understood the importance of a victory and how effective it would be for their team in the championship. It was time, and as each of the provinces took their side of the field the referee looked for acknowledgement from each skipper…..and it began!
As anticipated, the game was extremely physical from the outset with each individual showing why they deserved to be there. Phases from each side and continuity rugby was to dominate the first 5 minutes of play. Unfortunately Leinster were the first to capitalize and after a slight misjudgment from the travelling province, a penalty was given and converted by scrum-half Tim Schmidt. Leinster were in the lead, 3-0.
As aforementioned, the physicality of the match cannot be understated. Massive tackles and extreme pressure led to various handling errors and forced set pieces for both sides. Ulster centre Rory Bell of RBAI was injured, therefore leading to James Beattie reaching the wing and Michael Cartmill moving to centre.
Despite the continuous pressure of Leinster and a strong maul that was unsuccessful, Ulster continued to dominate in defense and cause the home side trouble at the break down with Captain Ross Todd stealing numerous balls from the opposition.
The scoreboard was to stay the same and the first half ended 3-0.
The Second half began just as the first had ended, ferocious and demanding. A mistake from the scrum left the hosts vulnerable and Rory Campbell of RBAI converted a penalty, Ulster 3 – 3 Leinster.
Changes were made in both the back and front row shortly after the interval with Daniel Dass moving into wing forward as a replacement for Dave Cave. Ulster continued to overshadow their opponents in territory and possession, however a strong lineout and well-formed maul was uneventful for the visitors with Lock Nigel Simpson held up over the line. Half-backs Josh Fullerton and Jack Milligan provided quick and efficient ball for their back line team mates along with those such as Ballymena Number 8 James Gallagher who believed the more confrontational approach more affective.
The game was to take a turn in the 65th minute when Ulster centre Michael Cartmill was to make a strident mark. He hit an extremely sharp line and despite being tackled, was able to proceed through the opposition defense. Travelling supporters therefore were shocked when the referee awarded Leinster a penalty, claiming that the young Holywood centre had been held in the tackle. After continuous battling from both teams, Ulster continued to defend tremendously despite Leinster’s unwavering phases of attack. This was to lead to a penalty and a sin bin and Ulster saw their numbers diminish to 14 with 3 minutes on the clock. Ulster to the bin, Leinster to the corner.
The visitors could only hold on for so long and after a lack of communication in the defensive line, Leinster saw their chance and seized it. Numerous missed tackles on the brink were to close the game and the men in white saw themselves greatly disheartened as the Leinster forward slid behind the posts for 5 points. The conversion to follow was unsuccessful and the home side led 8-3.
Despite this defeat, the Ulster team held their heads high and with the announcement of the Connacht vs Munster game, came to understand that they were the 2013 All-Ireland Inter-provincial Champions!!!!!!!!!!! They showed supremacy throughout the whole of the competition and never lost their heads but led with their hearts, playing for each other.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
