An almost full-strength Ulster easily overcame a patchwork Munster in the Brass Monkeys Challenge Cup at Ravenhill tonight. The Northerners ran in five unanswered tries to go top of the Celtic League. The final score was 27-3. Munster's sole score came from the boot of Paul Burke in the first half. The bonus point won tonight gives them two points to spare.

Munster's cause was not helped when they lost both Barry Murphy and Ian Dowling to injury. Murphy looked to be in considerable discomfort as he was stretchered off midway through the first half. Hopefully it's not a serious injury, as he is making a name for himself as an effective centre, and is working well with Trevor Halstead.