RaboDirect PRO12: Ulster maintain perfect start by thrashing Connacht

Nick Williams: Scored Ulster's second try

Paddy Jackson (top): Scored 10 points with the boot

Ulster stayed top of the RaboDirect PRO12 table after maintaining their perfect start to the season with a 25-0 win over Connacht at Ravenhill.

The Heineken Cup runners-up built their victory on a dominant scrum, which earned them a penalty try in the first half.

Nick Williams also touched down following a set piece and substitute Luke Marshall added a third try in the closing minutes, while fly-half Paddy Jackson kicked 10 points

The contest was Ulster's first at home since the farming tragedy which claimed the life of centre Nevin Spence and a minute's silence was held before kick-off.

Ulster opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a Jackson penalty as the hosts' powerful scrum began to make its presence felt.

Later in the half, a series of scrums near the Connacht line led first to Dave Gannon being sin-binned and then to the penalty try being awarded. Jackson converted to make it 10-0.

The game was effectively killed off on the stroke of half time when Williams drove over after referee George Clancy had reversed a penalty against Connacht and Ulster had put the ball into the corner.

Jackson's conversion made it 17-0 and in the second half the visitors did not threaten an improbable comeback, with the stand-off adding another penalty before Tommy Bowe won a 78th-minute cross-kick from Paddy Wallace and substitute Luke Marshall skidded in for an unconverted try.

Connacht had a chance to get on the board before half-time but Dan Parks missed his attempt, while a line break from Robbie Henshaw was one of their only other moments of attacking inspiration.

Ulster's victory keeps them one point ahead of the Scarlets in the table with a game in hand over the Welsh side.

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