Scarlets cruise past Newcastle as Walker double headlines Ulster win

Nathan Doak contributed three conversions and Jamie Benson two on a six-try afternoon for Richie Murphy’s side.

Hooker Walker, who made his Ulster debut two weeks ago, made his first competitive start, and got the scoring under way in the 12th minute.

Last season’s Challenge Cup finalists built up a 19-0 advantage by the halfway point, through Walker’s two tries, scored eight minutes before and after one by Jacob Stockdale.

Giovanni Licata got the hosts on the scoresheet with a try three minutes after the break, converted by Giacomo Da Re, but Dave McCann issued a reply four minutes later.

Alessandro Ortombina and Giovanni Montemauri – who also added two conversions – started to claw away at Ulster’s lead, but tries from Michael Lowry and Martin Moloney in the final 10 minutes sealed victory.

Meanwhile, Scarlets ran in seven tries in a comprehensive 47-14 Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle.

The hosts led 26-0 at half-time and did not let up their grip in a one-sided start to their campaign.

Scarlets’ first try arrived in the 12th minute through Sam Costelow, who added the conversion, with Fletcher Anderson powering over nine minutes later.

Former Newcastle centre Johnny Williams was the next to chip in, and Gareth Davies added a fourth try just before half-time.

A forward pass saw Scarlets denied a fifth try two minutes into the second half, while the video referee also turned down Newcastle appeals for a try from Obi Ene, with the away side then reduced to 14 men when Murray McCallum was sent to the sin bin.

Ellis Mee and a double from Macs Page extended Scarlets’ lead, although Newcastle did manage a spirited finish as Oli Spencer and Ollie Leatherbarrow went over.