Ulster A accepted the challenge we threw down for them and secured a bonus point win against Hartpury RFC in the third round match of the British and Irish Cup at Hartpury College on Saturday afternoon.

Despite scoring five tries Ulster A left it late to seal the win, a last minute try from David Busby the difference between the sides. However the five points were all important and it keeps Ulster A well in the hunt for progression in this competition, particularly if they can follow it up with the same result this weekend at Eaton Park.

Matthew Dalton opened the scoring in the first half, with Johnny McPhillips converting the try. However that was it from Ulster A in the first half and they turned round 12 – 7 down after conceding two tries to the hosts.

A half time rollocking seemed to have the desired result with Callum Patterson and Rob Lyttle both crossing early in the second half. However, Hartpury hit back with their third try before Adam McBurney hit the line for Ulster’s bonus point score, McPhillips converting.

“What a result for the Ulstermen! After 2 disallowed tries in the last ten minutes, they finally manage to seal the game by grounding a ball hacked on in the corner to seal the game 24-29!”

James Wain – Photographer

The game had definitely sprung into life in the second half and when Hartpury crossed for their bonus point score, tying the game at 24 all, there was still almost 15 minutes to play.

Ulster pushed for the winning score and crossed the line twice, McPhillips and Aaron Cairns both having their efforts disallowed, before Busby chased down a kick ahead to seal the win with a score in the darkest corner of the pitch.

Ulster A: Jack Owens, David Busby, Callum Patterson, Rory Butler, Rob Lyttle, Johnny McPhillips, Jonny Stewart, Tommy O’Hagan, Adam McBurney, Tom O’Toole, Peter Browne, Matthew Dalton, Clive Ross, Aaron Hall, Greg Jones (C). Replacements: Zack McCall, Eric O’Sullivan, John McCusker, Marcus Rea, Aaron Cairns, Dave Shanahan, Angus Kernohan.

The result see’s Ulster A in second place in Pool 5 of the British and Irish Cup. However, the scheduled game between Scarlets PS and Cornish Pirates was postponed yesterday and will be played today (Monday) at Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon. Kick off 17:15.

Gallery below

Picture credit – James Wain Sports Photography.