Ulster ‘A’ Gain Encouraging Win Over Cardiff
Ulster ‘A’ secured a 25-16 friendly win over the Cardiff Blues ‘A’ side on Friday, with Paul Marshall, Paul Steinmetz and Filo Paulo helping themselves to tries.
Talking through the 25-16 victory, Ulster ‘A’ team manager Gary Longwell said: “It was a really great game. I am so delighted with the result. Our boys were brilliant in the first 20 minutes.
“Paul Marshall and Paul Steinmetz both scored and Ian Humphreys converted both tries so we were 14 points up after 20 minutes.
“Cardiff then came back at us, they applied some serious pressure and got good momentum going and scored a try which they converted. They also got a penalty which took the score to 14-11.
“We fought back and Filo Paulo got a great try in the closing moments of the first half.
“In the second half Cardiff really fought hard and we defended for the entire half.
“Niall O’Connor came on at half-time and kicked two penalties for us. I am just delighted to get the win. The lads are so pleased and this really is a great side to be involved in.
“It gives these players a chance to put their hands up for the Connacht game next Friday and will put some pressure on other players who were not involved.
“A successful ‘A’ team will lead to a successful first team so we are delighted with this result ahead of the Connacht game.”
ULSTER ‘A’: Mark McCrea; Chris Cochrane, Paul Steinmetz, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall; Jarlath Carey, Neil Hanna, Declan Fitzpatrick, Filo Paulo, James Sandford, Thomas Anderson, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (capt).
Replacements: Stuart Philpott, Bryan Young, Paul Karayiannis, Neil McComb, Ian Porter, Niall O’Connor, Jamie Smith.