Ulster put down a big marker in their quest for Celtic League glory on Friday night at Ravenhill, when they destroyed the visiting Border Reivers 63-17.

The home side were able to break the line and score tries seemingly at will with backs Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble having particularly impressive games.

The win sees Ulster go top of the Celtic League, one point clear of Irish rivals Leinster who play Cardiff on Sunday

Playing their final home game of the campaign, Ulster scored nine tries while David Humphreys kicked 18 points.

Ulster now go on to complete their season with two games in Wales against Llanelli and the Ospreys respectively with a first Celtic League title triumph within their grasp.

Former Ireland and Lions winger Tyrone Howe, in his final season, was brought on to win his 100th cap for the home side.

Ulster did not waste time in hunting down the bonus point that would take them to the top of the League and had it in the bag after only 17 minutes in what was a frenetic half of scoring from both sides which saw seven tries.

Winger Andy Maxwell dotted for Ulster cdown under the posts. after Humphreys and Calum MacRae had exchanged opening penalties, to set the home side on their way after a great break from Isaac Boss.

This was rapidly followed up by a first score for Andrew Trimble after great approach work and a beautifully delayed pass by replacement Paddy Wallace.

The bonus point duly arrived as Tommy Bowe ran in from 55 metres after an intercept and Humphreys added the points.

Borders responded with tries from Stuart Moffat and Simon Danielli to close the score to 29-17 but Ulster had the final say of a pulsating half when Trimble took his second to see Ulster lead 36-17 at the turnaround.

The second half, which saw both sides empty their benches and give Howe his moment of glory, was a fairly scrappy affair.

Ulster added the finishing touches to a great night´s work with Bowe and Maxwell getting their second tries while Wallace also made the line.

Roger Wilson rubbed further salt into Borders´ wounds by squeezing in at the left corner five minutes from time.