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Ulster 53 – 5 Viadana

 Friendlies, Ulster
Aug 272009
 

ulster120 Ulster’s baby faced assassins ran out comfortable winners in this pre-season romp against a poor Viadana side.

While it may be easy to downgrade the level of opposition it has to be remembered that there were six Italian internationals in their side and this team is the basis of the northern Italy franchise that will be competing in the Magners League next year.

Over the last two games there is a definite pattern emerging to Ulster’s play this season and it’s a quite simple one – get in the faces of the opposition and keep them constantly looking over their shoulder.

In both games Ulster have executed this perfectly and, against Viadana, the Italians lost interest in this game after about twenty minutes. By this time Ulster had raced into a 10 – 0 lead with tries from, a bulked up, Timoci Nagussa and, the always reliable, Brady. Both tries went unconverted with O’Connor having a uncomfortable night with the boot from wide out.

O’Connor was however having a great night with ball in hand as he instigated move after move for Ulster’s exciting young backs and with Ulster’s back row turning over plenty of ball at the breakdown it wasn’t long before they were on the score sheet again. This time the muscular McCrea, who had a great game in midfield, went over for a try with O’Connor converting.

The Ulster forwards continued to take it to their opposition with Ed and McComb rampaging (what a big unit that McComb is) and this time the classy Anderson got on the score sheet finishing off a fantastic drive up the middle of the field. O’Connor again converted bringing the half time score to 24 – 0.

Viadana made a bit of an attempt at the start of the second half but when Jim ran 60 yards to score a breakaway try and quickly added his hat trick a few minutes later the game was over as a contest.

By this stage Ulster had emptied their bench and to be honest all the new players slotted in seamlessly. Young centre Jonny Shiels was next to score, quickly followed by McCrea who capped his fine performance with a brace.

Viadana eventually managed to get over the try line with a consolation try which probably wouldn’t have been given in normal circumstances but Ulster stamped their authority on the game with a final try from the hugely impressive Jamie Smith.

All in all a good run out for the youngsters who all played an exciting brand of rugby. The style of play of harassment and quick counterattack bodes well for the future of Ulster Rugby but Friday’s game against Worcester should give the team a sterner test.

While trying not to get to excited it’s beginning to look like we may have a promising season ahead so make sure you book your place and sign up for the season now.

The Headmasters Report.


15. Jamie Smith An outstanding display in defence and attack. Needs to get his hair cut! A-
14. Timoci Nagusa Looking stronger and more decisive in attack. Put in some good tackles. B
13. Mark McCrea Outstanding performance with some great breaks and bruising defence. A
12. Jonny Shiels Good linking for all plays, very solid in defence. B
11. Tommy Seymour Had some great runs and always looking for the ball. Was out of position a few times. B
10. Niall O’Connor showed a good running and distribution side to his game. Disappointing with his kicks from the ground. B-
9. Cillian Willis A good display with plenty of quick ball. Was playing against a beaten pack though. B+
1. Tom Court Some rampaging runs from the big man. Covered a lot of ground. B+
2. Nigel Brady Another outstanding display. Was simply everywhere. Ulster’s Mr Reliable. A-
3. Declan Fitzpatrick Still blighted with injury problems. C
4. Ed O’Donoghue Rumble, rumble, rampage, rampage. Good old Ed. B+
5. Neil McComb Big, big, unit. Worked Well with Ed. B+
6. Matt McCullough Typical Matt performance, ran his heart out and was very noticeable in the second half. A-
7. Thomas Anderson Outstanding, really bulked up and won a lot of turnover ball. Putting real pressure on the seniors. A
8. Chris Henry A captain’s performance and has formed a great partnership with Anderson. A
16. Paddy McAllister Came on when game was over and slotted in well. C
17. David McGregor Stood in well for Brady didn’t look out of place. B-
18. Justin Fitzpatrick Money for old rope for the legend. At last Ulster are playing his exciting brand of rugby! A-
19. Dan Tuohy Didn’t play.  
20. Chris Napier Came on for Henry and the Ulster back row continued to flourish. B+
21. Ian Porter Unlucky to get a knock when he came on for Willis. Did well with a limited appearance. B
22. Ian  Humphreys Didn’t play.  


Overall Grade.

B A sharp, slick performance. Only marked down due to the commitment of the opposition.

As it happened.

  • A great result against a team who weren’t trying too hard. But there will be a few teams not trying too hard against this abrasive Ulster.
  • Game over.
  • Didn’t realise that would go live! Lanzaman
  • I think you’ll need to rest your fingers ! Cheers for the twats or whatever they are called!
  • Ulster reply with score by Smith. Niall misses. 53 – 5. Fingers getting sore!
  • Via get on the score sheet at last. No. 16 scores. Con missed. 48 – 5
  • All a bit one sided now as McCrea gets another. Niall kicks. 48 – 0. Fitzy goes off for McAllister
  • Via not interested. Try for Shiels. Bad miss with conversion. 41 – 0
  • Another for Jim. Hat trick! Niall misses. 36 – 0
  • 60 yard break for a try by Jim. Niall kicks. 31 – 0. Ulster empty bench.
  • Via come close but move ends with forward pass.
  • Forgot to say Cave not playing. McCrea in centre. Smith at full back.
  • Henry off. Napier on. Fitzy captain.
  • Teams are back out. Ulster to kick off.
  • Half time. The youngsters have done exceptionally well.
  • Another fantastic score. Anderson this time. Niall converts. 24 – 0
  • 5 mins. A great display so far.
  • McCrea having a stormer.
  • Fitzy on for Fitzy junior.
  • Another try. McCrea scores. Niall converts. 17 – 0
  • Pen to Ulster. Kick to corner.
  • Another try for Ulster. Brady scores. Niall misses from wide. 10 – 0
  • Ulster looking sharp, but will they last the pace?
  • Try for Ulster. Jim scores. Niall misses from wide. 5 – 0
  • Via kick off straight to touch. Ulster attack.
  • Teams are out. Stand up.
  • Teams going through their final warm up. No changes in either squad.
  • Weather cloudy but dry. Small crowd. Only 3000 expected.
  • At the ground. Ulster out warming up. Team looks very young.

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