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Rugby Union

Gloucester demolish Ulster

09/11/2007

Gloucester put in a sensational first-half display to thump Ulster 32-14 on the opening night of the Heineken Cup at Ravenhill.

The visitors touched down five times through Lesley Vainikolo, Mike Tindall, Ryan Lamb, James Simpson-Daniel, and Iain Balshaw.

Gloucester sealed their bonus point after just 22 minutes, the second quickest in the history of the European Cup.

Veteran Vainikolo touched down in the corner after seven minutes while Tindall collected Balshaw's lay-off to crash over three minutes later.

Vainikolo then turned provider on 17 minutes to allow Lamb to dance past Ulster's defence and touch down.

Five minutes later, Gloucester scored their fourth try when Lamb found Simpson-Daniel who burst through to score.

The hosts' fifth try came on 28 minutes from a turnover with Balshaw crossing the line to complete the rout.

The Irish side, who trailed 14-29 at the break, scored tries through Matt McCullough and Paddy Wallace, who also kicked two goals.

Elsewhere, Perpignan beat Newport-Gwent Dragons 23-19 at the Stade Aime Giral.

Guilhem Guirado and Henry Tuilagi crashed over in each half for the home side while Cedric Rosalen kicked two conversions and three penalties.

The Dragons, who trailed 16-5 at the break, scored tries through Gareth Wyatt, Joe Bearman and Ceri Sweeney, who also booted over two conversions.