Leinster began their campaign in fine style with a well-deserved win over Ulster at Castle Avenue last night.

Their cushion at half-time was just five points, with two kicks from Ulster centre, Glen Telford coupled with a drop goal from Micheal Rainey keeping the visitors in touch. It was the best they could have envisaged given Leinster's dominance, which yielded two converted tries.

There was little Ulster could do for Leinster's opening score with forwards and backs combining to send UCD scrumhalf Brian O'Riordan over on the left after five minutes.

Their second try followed a fine run from winger Philip Costello. His persistence down the left touchline left the Ulster backs trailing behind him and with two men available on his outside, the try was well secured before Barry Lynn made the touchdown following Brendan Burke's pass.

Ulster's dogged determination saw them claw their way back into contention and, midway through the second half, they levelled proceedings when Telford attacked the ball at pace to go through unchallenged over the line. But significantly he was unable to add the conversion, which would have put Ulster ahead for the first time.

Eoghan Hickey added two more penalties to win the game for Leinster.

SCORERS: Leinster: B Lynn, B O'Riordan try each, E Hickey 2 pens, 2 cons. Ulster: M Rainey drop goal, G Telford try, 2 pens

LEINSTER B Burke, J Norton, K Coleman, B Lynn, P Costello, E Hickey, B O' Riordan, J Lynn, B Blaney, J Keogh, R Bolger, M Carroll, A Kelly, A Cullen, S Jennings. Replacements: B Moran for Keogh, K Corrigan for Blaney, R Connolly for Kelly

ULSTER: S Young, G Carruthers, G Mitchell, G Telford, A Maxwell, M Rainey, P Roxborough, B Young, R Best, M Stokes, A Telford, M Mc Cullough, A Gillepsie, M Mc Commish, T Barker. Replacements: P Minish for Gillespie

Referee: A Rogan (A.R.L.B)