Ravens 62 Aberavon 0

We had asked for a comprehensive victory in this game and that is certainly what we got as Ulster Ravens romped to a 62 – 0 victory against Aberavon scoring a phenomenal ten tries in the process.

I’m afraid I was a bit tipsy throughout, and spent most of the match chatting rather than watching but you can read John Dickson’s full report here on  Ulster Rugby.

Young Tommy Seymour led the way with a brace of tries and the rest of the scores were well spread out amongst the team with Bryn Cunningham, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ian Humphreys, Cillian Willis, Ian Whitten, Mark McCrea, Robbie Diack and the impressive Mike Allen all getting on the score sheet. Niall O’Connor added six conversions.

Though my own recollections are somewhat hazy I do remember Bryn Cunningham and Robbie Diack showing a few touches of class, Bryan Young nearly scoring off a chip ahead and American Scott La Valla looked much more impressive playing in the back row, getting through plenty of work.

The Raven’s looked well on top from the start and it’s a great pity that there wasn’t more people there to enjoy the spectacle as it was another paltry crowd for this British and Irish Cup match.

There was a fair sprinkling of Wizards fans over for the game and all credit to them, they were fairly vocal throughout – well right up till the sixth or seventh try and then they just sort of gave up! But shame on the home support for not getting off their butts on a pleasant enough evening to have a look at some of Ulster’s rising stars!

The lack of atmosphere did detract slightly from our concentration on the game and, as I said, I spent most of the time catching up on the latest gossip and there were a few rye comments on the cancelled Ospreys game, Ulster’s performance against Scarlets, the forthcoming Ireland Wales game and, for some reason, my activities in South Africa!

Well catching up with ‘so called’ old mates and having a bit a crack is what it’s all about, even if some of the comments on my South African sojourns and the state of my websites can be a bit hurtful. The fact that I cried all the way home didn’t take away one bit from my enjoyment of the night so don’t worry about that Dergman, I was laughing on the inside and it was good to see you again!

Don’t know exactly why so few turned up but I can’t help but think that Ulster are missing out here with their marketing of these games as they basically offer very little incentive for the crowds to come along outside of a price reduction on the entrance fee.

I fully understand that the weather can play havoc with organising activities but I would have thought that it would have been a good opportunity to try out a few different concession stands and maybe allowed a charity or similar organisation to run a BBQ, got involved with Kukri or SS Moores to do a stock sale or even invited a few of the companies that support the Loyalty Card along to display their wares in the empty beer tent. Anything really, but to try nothing at all was a bit of a disappointment.

The Ravens now progress to the semi finals of the British and Irish Cup alongside Munster, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster Knights.

The semi final draw is scheduled to be made on Wednesday, March 24.

The 1st and 3rd teams drawn will receive home advantage in the semi finals on the weekend of April 24

A further draw will then take place between the two semi finals to determine which of the potential finalists would be at home in the final on Sunday, May 16.

Colin from Rugby picture was there with his camera, you can view his photos here.

More like this:

• Ravens Team for Aberavon
• Squad for Cardiff at home
• The Headmaster’s report
• Squad for Ospreys