If the fans’ faith had been wavering it was restored in Ravenhill last Friday, writes Kristian Ross…
Ulster Rugby put behind last week's Heineken Cup defeat by returning to the top of the PRO12 following a total bonus point demolition of Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill.
Mark Anscombe's side knew that five points in Belfast would help their playoff push massively, but didn't get off to the best possible start conceding a penalty inside a minute, but a poor miss from Dragons kicker Tom Prydie saw him skew his effort wide.
The Ulstermen had destroyed the Dragons in their own back yard earlier in the season, and certainly knew that a repeat performance would be appreciated by the Ravenhill faithful.
Things were slow for the first twenty minutes but certainly started to look good when Tommy Bowe grabbed the ball on the touchline via great pass from Paul Marshall and ran in the first try of the night. Ruan Pienaar was left with a tough conversion, but his attempt seemed effortless as Ulster took the lead.
And a few moments later Pienaar kicked Ulster further in front via a penalty, gaining ten metres from where the original offence was committed as Dan Evans was sent to the bin for dissent. Ulster were up to ten points, the Dragons down to fourteen men and it certainly started to look ominous for the Welsh side.
With the Dragons wounded, the Ulstermen knew that they would try and have to rack up as many points before half time, and they wasted no time at all, a great move across the park following a scrum saw Stuart Olding go himself, and the talented young number twelve grabbed himself another try for the season. Ruan Pienaar once again proved his worth, another superb kick from the paint give Ulster a huge seventeen point advantage. And it was extended moments later, Peter Nelson putting pressure on the Dragons with a kick into the twenty two, and a truly woeful kick from Tom Prydie saw Ulster collect the ball and Darren Cave crash over for try number three. If you ever wanted a lesson in tactical kicking, Ruan Pienaar could have shown you with this performance, once more slotting the ball through the post from a tight angle.
As the half time whistle blew it couldn't have looked much better with Ulster holding a huge twenty four point advantage.
However Ulster have be known not to be able to replicate try blitzes after the half time whistle and the crowd at Ravenhill would be treated to only one more score, but a good one it was, Paul Marshall with a superb solo effort, that was again converted by Pienaar to make sure Ulster would take all five points.
A rare bit of brilliance from the Dragons saw them score what could possibly be a contender for try of the season, a great break away move that saw too many attacking players overcome Ulster's defence was finished off very well by Tom Prydie who finally was able to smile, but the Dragons were unable to covert through Stefan Jones who missed a straightforward kick.
The final proceedings saw Ulster push for a fifth try, but it didn't come, however it hardly mattered, the Dragons had well and truly been crushed by 31 points to 7.
Ulster had done what they set out to do, banish the memories of last week's Heineken Cup defeat to Saracens and get the PRO12 campaign right back on track with a bonus point victory.
A great win for Ulster and Mark Anscombe, and made even better by Glasgow's defeat, making sure going into round twenty one that Ulster Rugby will be top of the league.
On to Galway next week for the final interpro derby of the season as Ulster look to strengthen their grip on top spot and the playoffs with another W on the form sheet.
Fans have been patient, and hopefully it's going to be worth the wait, Ulster Rugby back top, we never lost the faith did we? Of course not.
And a final note, the Irish Rugby Union Player's Association has decided to rename their Young Player of the Year award after Nevin Spence, a very fitting tribute to him.
Stand Up For The Ulstermen.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
