Five-Try Victory Gets Ravens Up And Running
The Ulster Ravens got their British & Irish Cup campaign off to a winning start by overcoming the Doncaster Knights on a 39-7 scoreline at Deramore Park.
The Ravens, coached by former Ulster and Ireland lock Gary Longwell, scored five tries during the course of the game to Doncaster's one.
Out-half Paddy Jackson kicked two early penalties before Ravens prop Adam Macklin drove over for the first try of the night after 21 minutes, which was converted by Jackson.
Winger Michael Allen showed good pace for the second try, which was unconverted, giving the Ravens an 18-0 lead.
Doncaster, whose side included two Ulster-born players, David McIlwaine at full-back and David Bradford at openside flanker, got their only try of the evening from centre PJ Gidlow in the 24th minutes. McIlwaine successfully added the extras.
Conditions deteriorated during the second half but the Ravens dominated proceedings and secured the bonus point with further converted tries from the Dungannon trio of Chris Cochrane, Peter Nelson and Chris Farrell.