Ulster Rugby News
Ulster outgun the Gunners 13 - 9 Ulster breathe a sigh of relief, as they win their first game of the season. It wasn't pretty, and although they made heavy weather of it, the changed Ulster team pulled a performance out of the hat, that gave the 8 and a half thousand crowd something to cheer about. The return of Stephen Ferris proved a valuable addition as he made several big tackles and carried the ball well, giving us a Man of the Match performance Ulster went into the 2nd half 7 nil up,thanks to a try by David Pollock, converted by Clinton Schifcofske.The visitors hit back after the break with two David Blair penalties cutting the difference to 1 point before Schifcofske made it 13-6 with a brace of penalties. Schifcofske scored agin before then end, and Godman got another for Edinburgh leaving the score at 13 9. Ulster still look uncomfortable with the ball in hand, but this 1st win will hopefully provide some impetus going into next weeks Heineken Cup fitst round game against Stade Francais. The error rate tonight and penalty count against was an improvement from last week, and there is a better feeling by the crowd walking away from Ravers tonight. Read more

Ulster team to outgun Edinburgh

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	Ulster Rugby News
Ospreys rout as Oor Tommy scores 43 - 0 Ulster suffered a humiliating defeat against a brilliant display by the Ospreys. They moved the ball, off-loaded from every tackle and showed their strength against an ulster side who were devoid of anything adventurous. Ulster always looked like they were going to play catch-up. Again plenty of indiscipline, and schoolboy tackling meant that ulster were behind 19 nil going into the break. Most of the 2nd half played in the Ulster half, and to make matters worse Tommy scores! Read more

Ulster team named for the Ospreys

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A late announcement of the Ulster team by Head Coach Matt Williams shows a number of changes, from the team that lost to The Dragons at Ravenhill. Rory Best is out after receiving a knock to the knee and is resting before Ulster's first HEC match, against Stade Francais in two weeks.

Ulster lock Carlo Del Fava takes on the captaincy. Nigel Brady replaces Best as hooker. Bryn Cunningham replaces Clinton Schifcofske at full back, with Schifcofske moving to the wing. Andrew Trimble moves into the centre to partner Rob Dewey, while Darren Cave drops from the squad.

Justin Fitzpatrick starts at loosehead while Tom Court moves to the bench. Stephen Ferris, named on the bench, also makes a welcome return after recovering from a back injury picked up in the summer.

Ulster Team:

(1-9)
Justin Fitzpatrick; Nigel Brady; Brendon Botha; Carlo Del Fava (Capt); Ryan Caldwell; Matt McCullough; Kieron Dawson; Robbie Diack

(9-15)
Isaac Boss; Niall O'Connor; Clinton Schifcofske; Andrew Trimble; Rob Dewey; Timoci Nagusa; Bryn Cunningham

Replacements

(15-22) Stuart Phillpott; Tom Court; Ed O'Donoghue; Stephen Ferris; Paul Marshall; Ian Humphreys; Paul Steinmetz

The Ospreys team to face Ulster will be as follows:-

15 Lee Byrne 14 Nikki Walker 13 Tommy Bowe 12 James Hook 11 Shane Williams 10 Daniel Biggar 9 Rhodri Wells

8 Tom Smith 7 Marty Holah 6 Jonathan Thomas 5 Ian Evans 4 Andy Lloyd 3 Adam Jones 2 Richard Hibbard 1 Paul James ©

Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett 17 Duncan Jones 18 Ian Gough 19 Ryan Jones 20 Rhys Webb 21 Andrew Bishop 22 Gavin Henson

Read more

	Ulster Rugby News
Ulster defeat cuts deep 14 - 16 Ulster lose 3 out of 3. The build-up, and the expectataion seemed too much for Ulster to bear as their indiscipline once again fed the points to their opponents. This was a serious defeat against a poor Dragons side, and the repurcussions could be wide. Ulster are still playing better than at the end of last season, but have a long way to go if they want to produce a match-winning performance. Although Kieron Dawson opened the scoring with a well-worked try, converted by Clinton Schifcofske, the remainder of the half was a slow affair being played mostly in the centre of the field. Arlidge was able to bring the Dragons back with three penalties, to go into the lead at the end of the 1st, giving them a lift for the 2nd period. Sustained pressure by Ulster didn't prevent Ashley Smith from scoring for the Dragons on 70 minutes. Ulster fought back, and new starter Ian Humphreys scored the second home try on 75 minutes. Schifcofske converted to make the score 14-16, but the Dragons held on to win the game. Read more

This month's Kukri competition

This month, the UAFC, in conjunction with Ulster Rugby’s new kit suppliers,Kukri have another fantastic prize in a great competition for our members.

This month, Kukri have kindly offered to supply one lucky member with an Ulster Training Jersey - Standard Fit worth 50 quid!!!

If you're not a member and want to take part you can join here

Enter the competition

URSC Meet the New Players night

Who? Clinton Schifcofkse, Timoci Nagusa, Robbie Diack, BJ Botha, Ed O’Donaghue, & Ian Humphreys.

When? Wed 1st Oct 7.30 for 8pm

Where? Newforge Country Club

How much? Open to all; Members free; Concessions free; Non Members £3

Prizes? International ticket draw open to all members attending on the night

Refreshments? Finger buffet and cash bar

Why? Why not!

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