Iain does damage as Scarlets fall short again
SCARLETS lost their third Pro12 match in a row and left Kingspan Stadium without a losing bonus point thanks to Iain Henderson’s late try.
In the end Scarlets’ failure to convert their chances cost them in Belfast as well as the lacklustre first-half that saw them 11 points behind at the break.
“We're not clinical enough in our finishing,” said Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac. “We are creating opportunities but that's the third week in a row we haven't put sides to bed with those opportunities.
Louis Ludik notched a first-half try as Ulster led 11-0 at the break but Scarlets fought back to 14-8 when Will Boyde crossed in the 75th minute. The Welsh side won home and away against Ulster last season but replacement Henderson touched down at the death to seal Ulster's third win on the bounce.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby Les Kiss commented: “It's a little bit off the mark at times. But overall, we've got three from three. There's a lot of improvement, we understand that but you've still got to win them.”
Man of the Match Paddy Jackson got Ulster 6-0 up with two penalties 17 minutes in.
Ludik's try came two minutes later after some brilliant passing play from the Ulster backline.
The visitors needed to make a good start to the second-half and Rhys Patchell got them off the mark with a penalty after 48 minutes.
Scarlets came agonisingly close to a try in the 67th minute but Charles Piutau made a try-saving interception to deny them.
Ulster nudged further in front as Jackson chipped over a 71st minute penalty. Scarlets' second-row David Bulbring was penalised for not releasing in a ruck and Jackson punished him to put Ulster 14-3 up.
Replacement flanker Boyde made things interesting late on as he touched down in the 75th minute after some great build-up from the Scarlets off a driving maul.
Scarlets were the last team to defeat Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium, beating them 21-20 back in February but Henderson made the game safe for Ulster as he barged over after a good drive from the Ulster pack.