With a team bristling with test players including seven Grand Slam winners, the Blues got the expected positive start when - after only 49 seconds on the clock - flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor got on the end of a long pass from Tom Shanklin to score the fastest try in Celtic League history.

Nick Macleod converted and added a penalty before a second try, this time from Shanklin, saw the home side lead 15-0 and in line for a rout.

However the Ulster defence was dogged and on a rare visit to the Blues' half Tommy Bowe escaped the cover to get the Irish side on the score sheet. They continued to defend stoutly and would have been pleased to turn around only 10 points down after their slow start.

Ulster stand off Paddy Wallace further reduced the arrears with a penalty early in the second period - but with two more misses from the number 10 the Blues were let off the hook and they responded with a try from Craig Quinnell which was converted by Macleod.

Despite some fine work by man of the match Martyn Williams the Blues could not penetrate the Ulster defence a fourth time and were unable to secure what could have been a vital bonus point.