Ulster A completed a hard fought 25 – 14 win against the Cornish Pirates in the British and Irish Cup at Shaws Bridge last night. The bonus point victory puts Ulster A in pole position in Pool 5, however a difficult trip to Llandovery to face a Scarlets PS awaits next weekend with Ulster A needing to pick up at least a point to secure qualification as Pool winners.

The Pirates took an early lead with their big pack winning a penalty for out-half Laurence May to convert.

However Ulster were not to be denied and twinkle toes Rob Lyttle put on the afterburners to dive over in the corner for Ulster’s opening score. Pete Nelson converted and Ulster led 7 – 3.

Jack Owens and Aaron Cairns ran the ball back from the restart and, no slouch himself, John Andrew was on hand to run in the second try which went unconverted.

May landed a second penalty for the visitors before the break to take the score to 12 – 6 as the teams turned round.

The Pirates hit back with a try of their own shortly after resumption as winger Alex O’Meara gathered his kick ahead to score in the corner for an unconverted try.

However, Ulster responded almost immediately with Zack McCall charging down a clearance kick to restore Ulster’s six point lead.

Lyttle and May swapped penalties before Lyttle grabbed his second and Ulster’s fourth try five minutes from time, the score coming off the back of an attacking line out.

The visitors pushed for a losing bonus that would put them in a dangerous position in Pool 5 but the Ulster defence held firm to give a final score of Ulster A 25 Cornish Pirates 14. 

Ulster A: Jack Owens, Rob Lyttle, Callum Patterson, Rory Butler, Aaron Cairns, Peter Nelson, Jonny Stewart, Tommy O’Hagan, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Pete Browne, Clive Ross, Caleb Montgomery, Matthew Agnew, Marcus Rea. Replacements: Zack McCall, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan, John McCusker, David Shanahan, Chris Swash, Angus Kernohan.

Gallery below

Photo credit – Bob Given Photography & Graham Service Photography