Ulster Schools went down to a surprisingly heavy 34 – 13 defeat by Leinster Schools on the opening day of the IRFU U18 Interprovincials at the University of Limerick.

Report and photo credit – Bob Given Photography

Ulster Schools kicked off playing with a strong wind, but kicked the ball dead. From the resulting scrum on half way, Leinster attacked and ran through some very soft tackles for Ulster to concede a try and conversion in the first moments of the game.

Despite playing against the wind Leinster continued to dominate territory and possession.

From an Ulster breakout Leinster conceded a penalty, which was goaled by Ross McKay, unfortunately, another Leinster try and conversion soon followed.

Ulster gained some territory and from a driving maul, off a line out, James McCormick, detached and drove over for an Ulster try.

Not to be outdone Leinster scored a try in the corner, on the stroke of half time to leave Leinster leading 19 – 8 at the break.

With the wind on their backs Leinster played most of the second period in the Ulster half, scoring a further unconverted try.

On a rare foray, on the break, Ben Carson, touched down for Ulster.

Leinster were not finished, scoring a try, conversion and penalty goal, for a convincing 34 -13 victory.

Ulster U18 Schools: Josh Drain, Rory Telfer, Ben Carson, Luke Graham, Jamie McNeight, Ross McKay, James Wright, David Braden, James McCormick (C), Joseph Mawhinney, Paddy Browne, Charlie Irvine, Ryan Finlay, Josh King, Adam Lamont. Replacements: Andrew Donald, Harry Andrews, Jack Boal, Peter O’Hagan, Paddy Eames, Callum Smyton, Tim Bailie, Jordan Millar.

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