Ulster Tops In Ravenhill

17/08/2002. Two tries by full-back Bryn Cunningham helped Ulster to a 29 – 7 defeat of English side Bedford at Ravenhill last night.

Cunningham opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a try converted by Adam Larkin who filled the out-half berth in place of David Humphreys and Paddy Wallace. In the 29th minute Ulster scored again with a try from James Topping, with Larkin’s conversion leaving the home side 14 points up at half-time.

Bedford opened the scoring in the second half with a try by full-back James Pritchard after 9 minutes which he converted himself. Robbie Kempson was sprung from the bench as was Paul Shields who was instrumental in Andy Ward’s unconverted try which extended Ulster’s advantage 1(19 – 7).

Cunningham’s second try of the night was followed by a Mark Blair touch down from a driving maul to leave the score 29 – 7 at the final whistle.
Afterwards Alan Solomons said that he was pleased ith Ulster’s performance but recognised that they would have to step up a gear against Glasgow next week. He was delighted with Jeremy Davidson’s comeback performance, saying, “Jeremy had an outstanding game and really put himself out and about tonight”.

Ulster: B Cunningham, J Topping; J Bell, R Constable, J Cunningham; A Larkin, K Campbell; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, C Boyd, J Davidson, M Blair, A Ward, capt, R Nelson, N McMillan.
Replacements: R Kempson for Fitzpatrick (50), P Shields for Sexton (40), N Best for Nelson (78), R Spee for Campbell (74).

Bedford: J Pritchard; S Lincoln, T Kirk, M Straten, B Whetstone; E Barnes, A Holloway; J Ross, P Saffy, M Volland (capt), S Halfey, A Orugbeoh, H Quigley, L White, A Fox.

Referee: Simon McDowell