Declan Fitzpatrick - 2011-12

2011-12

Fitzpatrick missed part of 2011-12 due to a neck injury and ended up playing his first match against Aironi which Ulster won 25-19. Tries from Ian Whitten, Dan Tuohy and Craig Gilroy won the game for Ulster. Ulster then played against Cardiff Blues which the Ulstermen won 20-3 with both tries coming from Centre Darren Cave. Fitzpatrick then started against Ospreys which Ulster were smashed 32-14. He played the whole of Ulster Rugbys 22-9 defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons. Fitzpatrick was then yellow carded for a tip tackle against Benetton Treviso which Ulster lost 23-12. Pedrie Wannenburg scored 2 tries in this game. In the Heineken Cup Fitzpatrick came off the bench against Clermont in the first round of the heineken cup which Ulster won 16-11 thanks to all the points being scored by Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys. Ulster were then beaton 20-9 by Leicester Tigers in round 2 20-9. Fitzpatrick started that game. He then played his final game of 2011 in a 17-9 dfeat to Glasgow Warriors. Fitzpatrick then returned from injury to play in a 16-8 defeat against European Champions Leinster Rugby. Then due to John Afoas suspension for the Heineken Cup semi-final Fitzpatrick had to go and play in front of 50,000 at the Aviva. Ulster won the match 22-19. Pedrie Wannenburg and Ruan Pienaar collected the points for Ulster Rugby. Ulster were then thrashed 36-8 by Munster Rugby in the pro 12 in which Fitzpatrick started. In the Heineken Cup final Fitzpatrick was on the bench to see Ulster losing 14-6 to Leinster Rugby at half-time. He came on on the 75th minute but it was an awful experience with Leinster finishing champions 42-14.