The Irish side were convincing winners of the British & Irish Cup clash as they fielded a side which contained 14 players who have taken part in regional rugby this season.
Against such a strong Ravens side, Cardiff faced a tough ask and Ulster were straight on the attack from the kick-off as the visitors conceded a series of penalties. An early attempt at goal by Stuart Olding put Ulster ahead after seven minutes and the home side went straight back on the attack with another successful kick at goal by Olding making it 6-0 after 10 minutes.
Cardiff had their own attacks and following several raids into the home half they were rewarded with a penalty shot at goal that Joe Griffin converted to reduce Ulster’s lead to three. Ulster though, hit back. Another attack saw full back Adam D’Arcy cross the line to score Ulster’s first try.
Griffin responded with a penalty for the Blue & Blacks before Ryan Harford was given a yellow card on the half hour for collapsing a maul. Ulster kicked to the corner and won a penalty try which Olding converted.
Chris Cochrane then showed great skill and strength to shrug off several Cardiff defenders and cross the line for Ulster’s third try which Olding converted. Cardiff crossed for a consolation try in the 39th minute scored by Matthew Screech which saw Cardiff go into half time trailing by 14 points.
Ulster won several penalties in the opening minutes of the second half, Olding landing a straight forward kick in front to extend the lead. Cardiff made several changes early in the second half and won a penalty which Griffin slotted over to make score 28-14.
But Ulster pressure was to lead to their fourth try, Ali Birch picked and drove over the line to secure a guaranteed bonus point.
Straight from the restart Ulster scored again, Cochrane crossing for his second try. Olding converted to wrap up an easy win.
