BARTON’S A BELTER IN STUNNING FIGHTBACK
GEORGE SKIVINGTON thought his Cherry and Whites had blown it before they left Ulster down and out and stunned, with a dramatic and thrilling European victory, deep into added time.
Young back George Barton broke his Irish rivals’ hearts with a try, having only been on the field only a few minutes.
The 20-year-old leapt off the bench and took a pass a few yards from the line then managed to force his way over.
Referee Alex
Ruiz blew his whistle as Lloyd
Evans added the conversion and it sparked jubilant celebrations amongst the Gloucester players and the 2,000 fans allowed into Kingsholm to watch.
Head coach Skivington claimed: “It was a crazy game from start to finish.
“I didn’t think we would win after Ulster turned it around and looked strong. But total credit to the players. They kept on trying and believing until the end, and showed their real desire and character to get the job done. ” Gloucester had seen a 14-point lead over-turned by Ulster, who took what seemed a commanding advantage with 15 minutes left.
Wing Louis Rees-zammit had dived over for an early Gloucester try, only for former Kingsholm favourite Billy Burns to level things up.
Lloyd Evans’ penalty edged Gloucester ahead, while Ulster were reduced to 13 men, hooker Rob Herring and lock Alan O’connor being shown yellow cards – both for collapsing Gloucester rolling mauls.
The second time, referee Ruiz awarded the first of his three penalty tries.
Ulster shrugged off the blows with scrum-half John Cooney kicking a penalty but Gloucester pushed Ulster back across their line after the break with centre Mark Atkinson claiming the try.
The lead was eroded as Ulster full-back Michael Lowry scored a fine try and Ruiz punished Rees-zammit with a yellow card for a deliberate knock on and awarded Ulster a penalty try.
Cooney kicked Ulster ahead 15 minutes from time and seemed to have wrapped up victory when he scored a try.
But Ulster replacement Jacob Stockdale was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on.
And after Rees-zammit and Lewi Ludlam fell inches short of the line, it was left to Barton to find a way across for the winning try.
Ulster head coach Dan Mcfarland said: “The boys are devastated in the dressing room. “It’s a hard way to lose.’’
Rees-zammit, Singleton, Barton, Penalty (2). Evans. Evans (3)
Burns, Lowry, Cooney, Penalty. Cooney (2). Burns, Cooney (2).