Ruthless Ulster dismantle Dragons

Ulster 52 Dragons 25: Ballymena’s Nick Timoney marked his first Ulster start with a double helping as the home side charged virtually unopposed to the top of Conference B following a comprehensive eight-try drubbing of a dreadful Dragons outfit at the Kingspan Stadium last night.

The big number eight scored a try in each half, and showed some of that blistering Ireland Sevens’ pace for his 48th minute effort. But to be honest it was men against boys, particularly in the first half. Credit to Ulster who did what they had to do in a mismatch. They took their chances, scored five times in that period through Stuart McCloskey, Peter Nelson, Timoney and Wiehahn Herbst plus a penalty try. The Dragons could only muster a couple penalties by fly-half Dorian Jones, who also converted a try by replacement hooker Rhys Buckley as Ulster led 33-13 at the break.

The second half didn’t improve for the Dragons as mistake followed mistake, and missed tackle followed missed tackle with tries from Jacob Stockdale, Timoney again and Shanahan adding to the their embarrassment.