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Magners League: Dragons 13 Ulster 20

by

John McMurtry

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Ulster recorded a rare away win in Newport to secure their place in the Magners League play-offs beating the Dragons 13 -20 on Friday night. Ulster now go on to play ?Leinster in first semi-final at the RDS on Friday 13th May. KO 7:05 pm.

The Dragons had shown good home form prior to this game undergoing something of a resurgence under new coach Darren Edwards and Ulster adopted the sensible ploy of playing them at their own game and were rewarded with an early penalty from Ian Humphreys closely followed by a 30 yard try from Nevin Spence to take a 0 – 8 lead in the first ten minutes. The Ulster youngster looks more and more impressive each time he turns out and could be a realistic bolter for the World Cup squad.

The Dragons looked to hit back and put Ulster under pressure but Ulster’s defence, and a few lucky breaks, kept the line intact.Dragons did come away with 3 points following a penalty from replacement out half Matthew Jones.

Ulster bagged their second after a powerful run from Robbie Diack, much more effective at 8, took the play into the Dragons 22. The . . .

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3 responses to “Magners League: Dragons 13 Ulster 20”

  1. the mote

    the first half was based on individual breaks by Spence Gilroy Diack and D’Arcy . the only risky play was IH cross field to Danielli . Humphreys either passed or kicked never went running with the ball.just fed it out or kicked Virttually every ball in the Ulster half was kicked towards the flag on the Dragons 22, that is why it was a cautious game.

    Spence ‘s1st try was started on a lineout on the Dragons 10 metre line .

    The uncautious game is where Ian Humpreys trys to run the line or kick the ball in field seldon happened last night in either half. The Dragons were far more adventurous Ulster were just more effective at making the breaks to be honest.

    Reply
  2. John

    Don’t know what game you were watching Mr Mote? Cautious is not how I would describe the first half.

    You’re so far off the mark I reckon you were having a doze.

    Reply
  3. the mote

    The tactics were as I predicted cautious from the start by both teams with the intention of playing the game in the opposition half . In the second half Ulster with a 14 point lead were willing to go for the touchline more often while the Dragons wanted the ball in play and in hand as they chased points. ie Ulster were willing to sacrifice possession for field position this tactic work well until Ulster were penalised allowing the Dragons to finally play inside the Ulster 22..

    In my opinion Spence looks a far more dangerous proposition at 12 than he does at 13 where his low centre of gravity enables him to break the tackle similiarly 12 suits his possessive ball centred style of game . Spence wants the ball whereas a 13 should be looking for space and players in space.

    Overall Ulster played an intelligent game rather than one pandering to those who think every game should be a an exhibition of attacking rugby.

    Reply

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