ULSTER got their under-18 interprovincial championship campaign off to a winning start at Leinster's expense at Ravenhill on Saturday. The driving rain and treacherous wind militated against open, running rugby, but both sides contrived to serve up a lively, entertaining contest.

Leinster seized the initiative in the early stages and were rewarded with an eighth-minute penalty from outside-half Mark McHugh. Ulster, though, responded quickly with Mark Maguire slotting over penalty three minutes later.

Shortly before half time, Maguire landed a second penalty to give his side a 6-3 advantage, and although both teams tried hard in the second period, they were unable to add to the interval scored line.