ULSTER RUGBY DAY

MY DAY AT THE KINGSPAN

ULSTER V SCARLETS - MY STORY

On Thursday Rosie got word that I would be going to the Kingspan.  I was excited because this was a European Champions Cup match which is the biggest tournament in European Rugby as it is where the English and French clubs play.

What made this match interesting was it was a must win match for Ulster as they had lost their first 2 matches.

I got my Saturday night viewing recorded all but "Strictly Come Dancing" which I felt I would get up to date with from the results on Sunday.

I had a curry before I left.

Mom and dad took me to Belfast where they had a meal with my aunt Mary who lives in Belfast and that is where Rosie Maguire ( Mencap) picked me up.

She drove me directly to the Kingspan stadium.

I scanned my ticket into the machine and it recognised it straightaway!  This was a very modern system.

I went in to the stadium and saw that the  Ulster Rugby store was right there.

I went to visit the store. First of all, I had a few pictures taken outside the store then I went into the store and saw a teddy that made me think of my little cousin so I felt that I had to get it.   I got a little thing to put on your car also.

I saw an old teacher from my school and chatted to him for a few minutes. 

I still do not know where the programmes are sold as I had not seen anyone selling them and did not see them in the store.

I met with the mascot and had a picture taken 

One of the things I kept looking at was promotional material for Rugby World Cup 2015 which comes up at the end of next year.  The final is on Hallowe'en.  Maybe we can take that date back.

We then set out to our seats and Rosie was tweeting on her phone throughout the whole game. We sat in the family stand which is where the people in Mencap sit.

Rosie bought me a hot chocolate before the match. I walked around as I do not like standing in lines.

THE MATCH

ULSTER 24-9 SCARLETS

ULSTER KEEP EUROPEAN HOPES ALIVE

 

One song that I heard a lot was "Stand Up For The Ulster Men",  a song that was based on the song "Go West". 

The try line was right beside me in the second half whereas it was on the other end in the first. That did make the second half in a way more exciting.

Scarlets' score, an early penalty, thanks to Leigh Halfpenny. 

 

After 14 minutes, Humphreys passed to Bowe, who made a break down the right wing and cleverly passed inside to Cave, who raced over to touch down.

A couple of  minutes later Cave surged through the centre of the visitors' defence before offloading to Pienaar, who shrugged off an attempted tackle from Scott Williams before diving over beside the posts.

At half time you saw Ulster were comfortable at 14-6.

Priestland got his third penalty just after the break. 

   

Bowe responded with a try in the corner after an impressive flowing move a minute before the hour mark, Humphreys missing the conversion.

Best then rumbled over from a maul for the crucial fourth try but Humphreys was again unable to add the additional two points.
 

At this stage I began to go a bit mad as I knew how important the bonus point could be to them.  This result means that Ulster is back in the race for the European Champions Cup but must win away to the Scarlets on Sunday .

This was a great match as it got me excited near to the end of the match.

GOING HOME

Rosie then drove me back to my parents.  When I asked them did they see the match they said my Aunt did not have Sky TV.  Dad is very good at driving in the dark and got us home safely. I would like to thank Livenet for this great opportunity.