THIERRY BABA’S GOAL IN the 25th minute gave Connacht a narrow win over Ulster in this afternoon’s game at the FAI Schoolboys Under-18 Inter-provincial Tournament in Dublin.
Ulster 0 Connacht 1
Unlike the nervy start from yesterday in their defeat to Leinster, Ulster started well.
With news filtering through that Munster had beaten Leinster 3-0 and the chance to get back into the competition was at stake, Ulster had renewed hope.
The game started with high intensity from both sides and in the early exchanges a slack back pass nearly resulted in the opening goal for Connacht only for the quick thinking of Sam Todd.
On 25 minutes they did find the net through Baba whose shot from 20 yards somehow made it’s way through a packed box and trickled in.
It didn’t dampen Ulster’s enthusiasm however and they pushed on for the equaliser.
With Shane Blaney and Sean McBride sent on, it was a signal of Ulster’s intent.
BJ Banda and Luke Nelis were added but, try as they may, couldn’t penetrate the Connacht defence and the men from the best held out to claim the points.
Up next is Munster tomorrow morning in a game where only pride is at stake.
