On Saturday, Newforge Country Club was the venue for a Pre-Season Friendly between Ulster U18 Clubs and American visitors, the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. EIRA had only met up 3 days previously and this was their first game together.
Dropped passes, by both teams, in first few minutes were an indication of rustiness. Ulster were fastest to settle taking the lead from a 30 metre penalty by Conor McVicker, after 8 minutes, for a 3-0 lead. EIRA responded almost immediately, when Malan Graham converted a penalty goal, on 10 minutes, for 3-3.
Both sides tested each other out, but defences were on top. An Ulster break was stopped when the ball was turned over. The subsequent clearing kick was charged down by Rossa Bell, who swooped up the ball and ran round for a try close to the posts, after 19 minutes. McVicker’s conversion put Ulster out to 10-3.
After a period of pressure, the Ulster defence cracked, when Geno McKenna crashed over from close range for a 33rd minute try. Graham’s conversion tied the scores at 10-10.
With the halftime whistle looming Ulster No 8, Ryan Hanna, drove over from close range, after 34 minutes. McVicker’s conversion gave Ulster a 17-10 halftime lead.
Defences were on top, after the break. EIRA had majority of the territory and possession but could turn it into scores.
Even when Ulster lost a player to what can only be described as a mistimed air tackle, they couldn’t make their greater numbers tell.
Following a series of penalties Ulster camped on the EIRA line in the last few minutes. Pressure told and a space was created for Tom McGilloway to dive over, on 69 minutes. Josh Colville’s conversion put Ulster 24-10 up, with the final whistle sounding moments later.
EIRA continue their tour against Leinster and Connacht, before they return next Friday, 28th July to play in Ulster again, at Newforge.
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