Ulster fan revels in superb Challenge Cup final atmosphere and outlines his optimism for the province despite disappointing outcome
Whilst Ulster didn’t manage to get the job done on the pitch in the European Challenge Cup final on Friday night – it is fair to say their fans had a great time off it.
The province failed to land their first trophy in two decades as they were beaten 59-26 by a dominant Montpellier in the final at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.
Thousands of Ulster fans travelled to northern Spain hoping to cheer their heroes onto victory in the soaring heat but Montpellier stamped their authority on the match early on and never let up.
Montpellier racked up nine tries with their big forwards overpowering Ulster from an early stage, while they also threatened around the edges and out wide.
It means Ulster’s wait for glory continues but Matthew McNabb, who has been following the side for around 15 years, admits he had a great time in Bilbao amongst fellow fans despite the disappointing outcome.
The Limavady native said: “Bilbao as a city is great, I felt really safe and there’s loads of nice restaurants and bars...it helps that the pints are also superb.
"The atmosphere was great and the fan zone had a real buzz with live music, food carts and beer.
"The walk to the stadium was great with the fans singing away in the build-up to the match and there was a tremendous backing for Ulster.
"On the game I think Ulster be disappointed by their accuracy. They had moments in the first half where they had momentum but ultimately any time they scored, they let Montpellier back into the game far too easy.
"Once they were 14 points down, it was always going to be a challenge and ultimately Montpellier’s power won them the game comfortably in the end.”
Matthew’s travel arrangements included a flight from Dublin to Santander and then a bus into Bilbao.
His return home was flights from Bilbao to Barcelona and then onwards back to Dublin.
However, his dad Harry flew out the day before and had more stops as his flight path was Dublin to Brussels, Brussels to Barcelona and Barcelona into Bilbao.
As Ulster fans also continue to make the journey home, a lot of the conversation is what lies ahead for Richie Murphy’s side as they go in search of silverware once again.
After missing out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs and qualification for the Champions Cup, they will once again ply their trade in the Challenge Cup next season.
However, Matthew is optimistic that things are still going in the right direction for Ulster.
“Heading into the future I think we still need to strengthen in our front five,” he continued.
"On our day we have a starting 15 that can compete with any team.
"Our team is still very young with the average age last night around 25 or 26 years-old.
"We are in a lot better place now than 18 months ago and another year in the Challenge Cup might not be the worse thing for the playing group, although financially it might have an impact.”