Ulster extended their winning run in the Celtic League when they had a comprehensive victory over a depleted Cardiff Blues side at Ravenhill last night.

Ulster, sharp and purposeful throughout, were rarely troubled by the visitors who, apart from a brief spell in the early stages of the second half, were seldom able to exert pressure on the confident home side.

The pack laid the foundations for this sixth victory in the league which puts Ulster even more strongly into contention for the title. Ulster enjoyed the early bonus of a 10th-minute try from Bryn Cunningham which Adam Larkin converted and when the latter kicked a penalty, Ulster were in the driving seat.

The impressive Cunningham emphasised the home side's superiority when he followed up his own chip-ahead to touch down for his second try.

There was even better to come for Ulster when Tyrone Howe sprinted 80 metres to plant the ball under the Cardiff posts in the 22nd minute for Larkin to complete the formality of the conversion.

Ulster's 24-0 interval lead fairly reflected their authority and although Cardiff offered more resistance in the second half, they were unable to prise open the home defence.

Substitute Paul Shields grabbed another Ulster try in the 57th minute, before Ryan Powell grabbed a consolation try for the visitors which Nick Robinson converted.

Larkin thumped over a penalty in the closing minutes to maintain Ulster's momentum in the competition.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, R Constable, S Stewart, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; B Young, M Sexton, A Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, A Ward, N Best, T McWhirter. Replacements: R Wilson for McWhirter, P Shields for Sexton.

CARDIFF BLUES: M Morgan; I Walne, J Robinson, M Allen, L Abdul; N Robinson, R Powell; K Fourie, G Williams, B Evans, C Quinnell, A Moore, B Appleyard, D Baugh, N Thomas. Replacement: A Lewis for G Williams.

Referee: M Changleng (Scotland).