HEINEKEN CUP, POOL THREE Ulster (28) 33 Tries: Howe, Ward 2, Stewart Cons: Humphreys 2 Pens: Humphreys 3 Leicester (0) 0

The Irish province overpowered a struggling Leicester side at Ravenhill so all six games in the group so far have ended in home wins.

Lions winger Tyrone Howe got the first try and skipper Andy Ward added two more as Ulster led 28-0 at half-time.

Shane Stewart's second half try secured the bonus point which took Ulster top.

Leicester were hit with two early injury blows, losing first-choice centres Darryl Gibson and Ollie Smith in the opening 10 minutes.

Match photos: Ulster 33-0 Leicester

They were also bombarded by a fired-up Ulster outfit who made good use of their first half wind advantage.

Irish fly-half David Humphreys was the architect of the opening try, perfectly chipping over the top for Howe who beat Neil Baxter to the touchdown in the left corner.

Humphreys added a penalty before Ward scored the first of his tries on 20 minutes, taking a short pass from Simon Best to score under the posts.

To deny Leicester any points was a fantastic effort Ulster's Andy Ward

Nine minutes later Ward went over again, brushing off Austin Healy's challenge, and Humphreys added his second conversion.

Two more penalties from Humphreys before half-time left Leicester with a mountain to climb.

The Tigers were expected to hit back in the second half but it was Ulster who scored again to secure their bonus point for four tries.

A great run from full-back Paddy Wallace set up centre Shane Stewart for the touchdown three minutes into the half.

The Tigers had surprisingly left England's World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson on the replacements' bench.

Thank God for Rotherham or we'd be relegated from the Premiership as well From Prop Idol Have your say on Scrum V

He came on 10 minutes into the second half but could do little to inspire the two-times cup winners.

It was Leicester's first blank scoresheet in the competition and the result leaves them in danger of an early exit.

The teams meet again in the return fixture at Welford Road on 17 January.

Skipper Ward was understandably elated with Ulster's display.

We're going through a bit of a hiccup at the moment but it can be put right Dean Richards Leicester director of rugby

"To deny Leicester any points in the second hald was a fantastic effort," said Ward.

"The boys performed well in all areas and it was great to get the bonus point because it could be crucial.

"Today was our day but Leicester are a strong side and we have to do it all again next week."

Ulster: Wallace, Topping, Stewart, Steinmetz, Howe, Humphreys, Doak, Kempson, Sexton, S. Best, Mustchin, Frost, Ward, N. Best, Wilson.
Replacements: Shields, Moore, McCullough, Brosnihan, Campbell, Larkin, Cunningham.

Leicester: van der Westhuyzen, Baxter, Smith, Gibson, Lloyd, Pez, Healey, Rowntree, West, Morris, L. Deacon, Kay, W. Johnson, Back, H. Tuilagi.
Replacements: W. Skinner, Richards, Nebbett, M. Johnson, Vesty, Myring, Gelderbloom.