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It's nearly that time again!!! Can't wait!!
Ulster have so far played two friendlies, lost one, won one, and our four new signings have fairly stood up. Matt Williams' tenure has started quite successfully, and from the sounds coming from within the camp, the team and organisation as a whole have a much more positive attitude and professionalism, a direct result of the aussie coachs skills and experience methinks!
Ulster 7 - 15 Bath
First up, Ulster hosted visitors Bath at Ravenhill. Although neither team was at full strength, and like any typical pre-season match there were lots of substitutes, Bath ran out clear winners. Ulster played...okay actually, the new signings doing well, everyone playing decent running rugby, unlike last year. The tries however refused to come.
Two quick-fire tries in the first half did the damage, replacement Bath wing Rhys Crane scoring both with Shaun Berne converting one. Ulster pulled back a try shortly after the break, Darren Cave scoring and Clinton Schifcofske converting.With the second half looking likely to remain scoreless, Robbie Kydd landed an injury-time penalty for the visitors to give them an eight-point win.
Ulster 24 - 0 Reds
However, against the Queensland Reds, the Ulstermen proved too strong, as they controlled most of the 2nd half and prevented the Reds from scoring. The four new signings from the southern hemisphere played exceptionally well, notably Robbie Diack and Clinton Schifcofske.
The 1st half was a close game, bar a penalty from Schifcofske , however in the 2nd, Ulster developed much more attacking lines of running, with added penetration, Rob Dewey managing to touch down after a dynamic run by yer man Schifcofske.
Ulster Academy replacement Chris Cochrane touched down from a great offload by Darren Cave, Schifcofske was on hand again for the conversion. In the final minutes, Paddy Wallace just missed grounding the ball, but Timoci Nagusi finally scored after several missed chances, with Paddy Wallace closing the game off to bring the score to a well-deserved 24 nil.