Ulster v Jersey

Date: 19 October, 2013 16:30 Just back from Belfast. A "plain" night not helped by the rain and swirling wind which lead to high error count on both sides.

 Two contrasting teams with Jersey totally dominant in the pack despite "resting" 4 or 5 first choice forwards but never looking like scoring from a three quarter move (no change there I hear you say) and Ravens lightwieght forwards but adventurous backs. Given the foregoing surprising that Jersey outscored Ravens by 3 tries to 2 but lost the match although the result was absolutely fair IMO.

Great welcome by the Ulster fans and particular thanks to the lad who drove me into town and dropped me off at the Crown Liquor Saloon [www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk] - brilliant place with a wonderful choice of great beer particularly Hilden Brewery which do a cracking bitter. I hope we draw Ulster again I'd love to go back.

Well done to Jack Burroughs from the Academy who had a torrid time under the high ball at full back in a swirling wind but stuck at it for the full 80 due to injuries and to Luke Stratford & James Voss who also fronted up in the forwards.Tom Cooper on plane back with left leg in a brace but no info on injury pending scan Monday. A rarity for me I will credit the match officials who had an excellent game - but I blame them for the weather!

Final point can Ulster and the other teams who have first teams in the Heinekin Cup not schedule these fixtures when their first team have a home fixture so visiting fans can stay to see both games? Jersey's trip to Dublin last year was brilliant as we saw Leinster v Clermont at the Aviva and followed it with Jersey's match at Donnybrook. Having enjoyed a choral rendition of Stand up for the Ulster Men and bemoaned the lack of a Jersey team song or chant I thought "Scrum down with the Jersey lads" might hit the spot.