No Joy For Ulster Ravens In Huddersfield
Ulster Ravens blew a 19-8 lead at Laund Hill in Huddersfield as Yorkshire Carnegie came from behind to take a 27-19 victory in today’s British & Irish Cup Pool 2 match.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE 27 ULSTER RAVENS 19
The winless Ravens got off to the best possible start when winger Jack Owens scored the first try of the game after just five minutes. They went through the phases before spreading the ball wide to the ex-Campbell College pupil who had the strength and speed to go over.
Peter Nelson was just wide with the conversion and it was over 20 minutes before the next points were scored. Yorkshire out-half Harry Leonard, made it 5-3 when he kicked a penalty on 28 minutes.
However, the Ravens extended their lead four minutes later when Jacob Stockdale crossed. Again, it was great hands from the Ravens back-line that put the winger clear and he powered over despite the attempted tackle from Oli Goss. With Nelson adding the extras, it was 12-3 with 32 minutes gone.
That was how it stayed until two minutes before the interval when Josh Bainbridge got the home side's first try of the afternoon. The conversion was wide making it 12-8 to the Ravens at half-time.
The Ravens started the second half as they had begun the first – with a try. After great work from the pack, tighthead prop Dave Ryan rumbled over on 43 minutes. Nelson added the extras and Kieran Campbell's side looked in a commanding position at 19-8.
However, that was as good as it got for the Ravens as first Rob Vickerman, then Paul Hill and finally Charlie Beech scored tries for Yorkshire in a devastating 25-minute spell that gave the hosts the win and a try scoring bonus point.
Centre Vickerman supported a good break in midfield but he was injured by a tackle as he went over the line and was forced off shortly after. Prop Hill crashed past two covering defenders to score, following a fine break by Vickerman's centre partner Pete Lucock.
Leonard converted both tries and Carnegie sealed their five-point return when replacement prop Beech built up a head of steam from 10 metres out and the Ravens defence was unable to stop him from touching down.
The Ulstermen fought hard in the final minutes to try and establish a foothold back in the game, but the Carnegie defence held out.
The Ravens will be hoping to end their British & Irish Cup campaign on a high when they play Aberavon at Deramore Park next Saturday. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)