PRO12 RUGBY: Strong start in league was important says Allen Clarke

Assistant coach, Allen Clarke, hailed the patience and character of the Ulster players on Friday night as they secured a bonus point win in their opening Guinness PRO12 game against Newport Gwent Dragons.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Sep 2016, 07:00 BST
Ulster double try scorer Robert Lyttle (right) and Jacob StockdaleUlster double try scorer Robert Lyttle (right) and Jacob Stockdale
Ulster double try scorer Robert Lyttle (right) and Jacob Stockdale

A brace of tries from replacement winger Robert Lyttle - on his competitive debut - and one apiece from Ruan Pienaar, Jacob Stockdale and captain Rob Herring, with two conversions from Pienaar, secured a 29-8 win.

Ulster had found themselves 8-0 down after 10 minutes, but they picked up strongly from the second quarter.

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Clarke said: “Really important for us to start well, get a win and build an innings within that and come up with the bonus point victory

“Being 8-0 down, the boys showed a lot of character. There was good leadership from Rob Herring and we took our chances.

“We really dominated after half-time and got ourselves into a decent position in the second half. It was a spirited performance but we know there is still work to do.”

Related topics:RugbyUlster