ULSTER STOCK RISING

Jacob keeps province in hunt

ULSTER made it back-toback wins in the Guinness PRO14 to keep their play-off hopes alive after shading a tight encounter at the Kingspan Stadium.

They left it late to secure the four points with Jacob Stockdale profiting from a spilt ball in the last minute to run in near the posts for an unconverted try.

Even though Ulster dominated in the second half, after leading 3-0 at the break through John Cooney’s early penalty, they failed to score on a number of occasions after turning down kickable shots at goal.

This was Ospreys’ first defeat in five games and it marked interim coach Allen Clarke’s first visit to the Kingspan since departing last season.

Stockdale’s try denied the Welsh side a losing bonus point in their chase for a Champions Cup place.

Ospreys were left to rue having a first-half try ruled out by the TMO and a missed penalty by Dan Biggar – their only kick at goal – while Ulster also had a score turned down in the second half.

Cooney opened the scoring for the home side with a sixth-minute penalty after a stray Ospreys boot had kicked the ball in a ruck.

Ulster then came close to scoring a try two minutes later only for Dan Evans to beat Johnny Mcphillips to the touchdown.

On the half hour, Ospreys centre Kieron Fonotia got on the end of a break to dummy Charles Piutau and score under the posts but referee Andrew Brace consulted with the TMO over a neck roll by Alun Wyn Jones on Iain Henderson and the score was ruled out. Ulster’s response nearly saw man of the match Mattie Rea make the line only for Piutau to be held just short.

Ulster blew a host of chances in the second half and had Nick Timoney’s try ruled out but, with time nearly up, Ospreys spilt a ball and Stockdale raced in.

TRY, TRY & TRY AGAIN Ulster celebrate with Stockdale (second from right) and, below, Best with man of match Rea