Ulster slump to defeat at struggling Ospreys
HOOKER Scott Otten crossed for two tries as Ospreys celebrated only their second Pro14 victory of the season as they edged out Ulster at Liberty Stadium.
Ulster, who had come back from 23-10 down early in the second half, had a chance to win the match at the death, but Bill Johnson’s 83rd-minute drop-goal attempt was charged down by Aled Davies.
In the end Ospreys deserved their win, which came through two Otten tries from line-out drives and one for Wales centre Owen Watkin.
Ulster also scored three tries through wing Robert Baloucoune, full-back Matt Faddes and Stuart McCloskey. Billy Burns and Johnson supplied nine points between them.
Ospreys, who had lost 15 out of 16 competitive games this season, including nine defeats in 10 Pro14 games, were 18-10 up at the interval.
Otten’s first try after 25 minutes was awarded by the TMO and, although Sam Price failed to add the extras, his penalty soon had the hosts further in front before Burns replied.
A second Otten try opened up a 23-10 lead after 48 minutes before Ulster launched a revival, scoring two tries in the space of eight minutes. Faddes went over on the right McCloskey crossed after latching on to a fine David Shanahan cross kick.
Replacement outsidehalf Johnson converted both to put his side a point in front, but with five minutes remaining a Price penalty gave the hosts back the lead.
The drama was not over and in injury time Johnson lined up a 35-metre dropgoal attempt, only for scrum-half Davies to charge it down.