Sport

Ulster find new stars to match their successful new style

The revolution as preached by new Ulster coach Alan Solomons may still only be in its infancy, but his side showed enough potential…

Sat Aug 18 2001 - 01:00

The revolution as preached by new Ulster coach Alan Solomons may still only be in its infancy, but his side showed enough potential in last night's comprehensive defeat of Swansea to suggest a fruitful season lies ahead.

A malfunctioning line-out and first-up defence, was overshadowed by positive factors - notably the rising star of Paddy Wallace. The former Irish Under-21 international recovered from an early blunder under a high ball to show several magical touches and searing pace.

Ulster dominated the opening exchanges only to lose their way before an injury-time try by hooker Paul Shields restored a 10-point lead.

A scintillating break by Wallace allowed scrumhalf Brad Free to dive over for Ulster's first try from a quick ruck after just eight minutes. A series of attacks then culminated in a converted penalty for David Humphreys in the 20th minute.

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However, a poor restart followed by a shocking defensive lapse allowed Swansea into the game with a converted try by centre Shaun Payne.

Humphreys and Swansea outhalf Gavin Henson swopped penalties before Shields restored Ulster's control with a try from a driving maul after the visitors had been reduced to 14 men following the sinbinning of full back Kevin Morgan.

Humphreys knocked over a drop goal within 30 seconds of the restart following a quick turnover.

And although Henson kept his side in touch with a 50th minute penalty, a breakaway try by James Topping from a break by new signing Adam Larkin sealed the victory.

Scoreline: 8 mins: try for Free, conversion Humphreys, 7-0; 20 mins: pen Humphreys, 10-nil; 21 mins: try for S Payne, conversion G Henson, 10-7; 23 mins: pen Humphreys, 13-7; 38 mins: pen G Henson, 13-10; 40 mins: try P Shields, conversion Humphreys, 20-10; 41 mins: drop goal Humphreys, 23-10; 50 mins: pen Henson, 23-13; 59 mins: try for J Topping, conversion Humphreys, 30-13.

Ulster: P Wallace: J Topping, J Bell, A Larkin, J Cunningham; D Humphreys, B Free; J Fitzpatrick (C Boyd 70), P Shields, S Best, P Johns (J Davidson 46), G Longwell, R Brink (M Haslett 74), A Ward, T McWhirter.

Swansea: K Morgan; R Rees, S Payne, S Winn, M Robinson; G Henson, S Martens; G Mason, J Marsters (C Wells 48), B Evans (A Le Chavalier 10), A Jones, J Griffith, G Lewis, D Thomas, H Jenkins.

Referee: C White (England).