There was plenty of talk this week about
how important it was for Ulster's senior pro's to step up and
assume leadership positions. If this game is anything to go by there
should be no concerns this year.They all stood up in what was
by turns a dour, clumsy but ultimately entertaining encounter at
a wet, half full, Ravenhill.
There is no denying that this Leeds team are not going to set
the Premiership on fire this year, they had very little in the
back line, but they did have a big grinding pack that needed
to be contained. Wilson, McMillan, Fitzpatrick, Campbell, Steinmetz and Bartholomeusz all contributed well in a composed defensive performance
in the first half. Ryan Caldwell had his usual high impact
game, his aggression at the breakdown making more than one Leeds
player reconsider their commitment.
However the night belonged to the the youngsters. O'Connor and
Cave were solid in defense, and looked sharp in attack with what
little ball they had. Kettyle and McCrea prowled their wings
and appeared full of confidence and Henry did not
look out of place in the back row with McMillan and Wilson.
Ryan and Justin
both made strong cases for FRU MotM but the first
award of this season goes to Roger.
Although Ulster only had about 30% of possession in the first half, due mostly to incompetent refereeing from our old friend Clancy and a misfiring lineout, they were unlucky to turn round 6 - 9 as they clearly looked the most dangerous.
With the entire bench changed out in the second half it took a while for things to gel but once Ulster got on top of the Leeds pack, during a Caldwell binning, there was only ever going to be one winner. In a sparkling finish to the game the underrated Larkin put Steinmetz through, Steinmetz's inside pass to McCrea broke the last line of defense giving the winger a clear run to the line. Steinmetz converted giving Ulster a precious one point win.
Roger Wilson and Ryan Caldwell received votes for FRU MotM, but with three votes to one (and one abstention) Roger Wilson picks up were he left off last year.
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The
FRU Awards (Part 2)
Due to Roger being otherwise engaged last Saturday he was unable to make last weeks Awards night. Thanks to help from Fitzy we were able to meet up with Roger after the Leeds game. (Pictured right.)
Unfortunately we were unable to get the restraining order lifted on Mrs Derg so we could present Steiny with Top Totty so it looks like we'll have to do that one next week!
Alan Young from The Eagle Bar Larne, presents Roger Wilson with The FRU Player of the Year (2006- 2007) Award.
Dewi discusses next year's awards with the Fruettes!
Derg Sister practices her smile for next year!
As we warmed up for our awards ceremony we were rudely interrupted by a gatecrasher from the URSC!
See if you can spot how he went for the weakest link and maneuvered himself into the front row of our publicity photos!
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Unfinished Business.
Some more supporters pictures from the Ireland Italy game last week.
Mrs Derg decides to soothe Pierre Berbizier immediately after his (justifiably) heated comments about last weeks result (far right).
Left. Dewi and BoT's Peter (or David) have a brief discussion on why BoT missed the FRU Awards!.
Mr & Mrs Derg Senior treat themselves to a "new fangled" fizzy lemonade as they celebrate Ireland's return to Ravenhill and a certain someone's 71st birthday!
Right. The Original Kimble proves that his mind isn't always on flags.
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Too Big For Our Boots (Part 1)
Too Big For Our Boots (Part 2)
The FRU decided, on a whim, to contact Ulster Rugby to see if we could get pitch side access for Friday's game.
Two galoots and a buffoon nearly came to blows over an unfunny banner at Friday's game.
The FRU have the largest Supporters Gallery in Ulster Rugby so we thought we might have a chance as we sent off our email to one of the gorgeous, pouting Ulster Rugby aparachick's at fortress Ravers.
We were expecting a polite but firm refusal on account of sponsors and broadcasting rights so imagine our delight and surprise when we received the following reply: -
"Dear FRU,
Re - Pitch side access.
No chance. You are too fat and will block everyone's view of the game.
Now go away!"
In the above pictures we have skillfully superimposed our photographers outline into a couple of Rooster's photos so I guess they have a point.
A spokesman for the Comedy Police who were in the ground when the incident occurred said, "We were patrolling the ground in a northerly direction when we saw the banner go up.
Imagine our disappointment when all it said was, 'The camera behind us can't see Ulster!' and they then held it up in front of a camera.
Really, even though they are middle aged has-beens, they have to work harder than that! They're giving comedy a bad name that pair!"
Thanks to Rooster for the use of his photos in the above piece.
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Letters to the Editor.
Dear Ed,
Just a big thank you to the whole city let alone the club! I had a great time, lots to drink with a very friendly crowd. Also found the bars we visited to be the same from early in the afternoon till early in the morning.
I was one of the group that you took a photo of in the terraces.
Good luck for the season, and if you manage to injure a few Glost players well it’s a tough game.
Thanks,
Bran
Ed. Glad you enjoyed your time in Belfast even if you did mix with a dodgy crowd.
Dear Editor,
Once again, many thanks again for a great & very different evening
last week. As another (hopefully) momentous season beckons for our
Beloved Province, it was lovely to meet up with many "old" (& some not so
old) faces, not forgetting Fitzy (one of the 1999 Old Contemptables) &
the Young Pretender - Thomas Anderson.
A most entertaining evening, thanks in no small way to your good self &,
of course, the Eagle Bar (Larne) - Next time I'm up that way I'll
definitely have to drop in for a pint.
Yes, it was definitely the least politically correct evening of the
Ulster Rugby calendar, but why not - As you said "sex sells" and all I
would say is: "lets have more of it!".
See you in the Scoop in the not so distant future,
Stately Homes Ed. I think I actually said, "She sells sex", and that was in Benedicts later on in the evening!
This weeks fixtures are: -
Week 2. Friday, 7th September 2007
Dragons v Cardiff
Ulster v Gloucester
Ospreys v Llanelli Predictions to be in by 6:00pm Friday 7th.