Scholes upbeat despite Ulster's defeat

Scholes ran in two tries as Ulster, boasting four new signings and three academy graduates, went down 21-22 in front of their home fans at the Kingspan Stadium, despite having led 14-5 at the interval.

Yet the 21-year-old wing felt enough positives were shown over the 80 minutes to suggest Les Kiss' team can take another step in the right direction against Leinster this weekend, ahead of the GUINNESS PRO12 season opener at Scarlets on 6th September.

"We know it was our first hit-out and our first time getting our new structures with the new players. From that point of view we're happy that we've got that under our belt," Scholes told the Belfast Telegraph.

"The coaches were happy with our structures and all the things we'd been working on in training. We got to play those out and put them into a competitive environment, which was good.

"But there are things we can work on. We're going to have to look at the video during the week and seeing those wee things we can work on. Hopefully when we get to Leinster we can put them in place and make things a wee bit better."

Scholes' run out at against Exeter was only his sixth in Ulster's senior colours and his brace will have given those that follow Ulster hope for a season as bright as his red hair.

Yet the Ireland U20 international is admits he takes scant consolation from a strong individual showing when his team lose.

"Every time I come on the pitch I want to score, so to get my first try, my first two tries, for Ulster was brilliant,"
he said. "Before the game, I was thinking 'get a try, get a try'.

"But, it's a team thing and we lost at home. Every time we play at home we want to win for our fans, so it's a bit disappointing."

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