Ulster end pre-season with home win

Ulster 19 Leeds Carnegie 16, Ravenhill

Ulster will head into the Magners League season on a winning note after seeing off the challenge of Leeds Carnegie at Ravenhill tonight.

Darren Cave, Tommy Seymour and South African recruit Johann Muller scored a try apiece as the province secured its first win in three pre-season games.

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin made six changes to the team that lost 24-0 away to Harlequins last Saturday, with Ireland duo Rory Best and Stephen Ferris the most notable inclusions.

Best and Ferris returned from their respective ankle and cheekbone injuries, which kept them out of Ireland's summer tour, and it was Ulster who took an early lead.

Leeds out-half Ceiron Thomas missed a penalty attempt before a surge from the Ulster forwards and some slick passing among the backs set up centre Cave for a 14th minute opener.

Out-half Niall O'Connor added the conversion and Seymour went close to scoring the hosts' second try, shortly afterwards. It took some last-ditch tackling to keep him out in the left corner.

But the young winger was not to be denied, four minutes later, when he dotted down after good work from full-back Adam D'Arcy and prop Declan Fitzpatrick.

D'Arcy, an Irish-qualified back who is on trial from Australian rugby league side Manly, certainly caught the eye with some nice breaks. One particular run had the Leeds rearguard under pressure, his pass to the supporting Fitzpatrick invited the big front rower on and he barged through a couple of tackles before setting Seymour free for the line. O'Connor's conversion attempt was off target.

Two successful penalties from Thomas brought the Neil Back-coached Leeds back into contention before half-time, with Ulster's lead cut to 12-6.