Vodacom Bulls faced a tough exam at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast against Ulster and will rue their ill-discipline as Ulster converted 5 penalties to secure a 26-19 win, their second of the season.
Although Ulster led 14-00 with 4 minutes still to play, the Bulls used their big forwards to score two tries to trail 12-14 in the final four minutes of the first half. The Bulls' challenge disappeared due to their ill-discipline. Ulster increased the scoreboard pressure with 5 converted penalties to eventually secure a well-deserved win.
Ulster started the early period on the attack as they set up camp in the Bulls' 22m. Hooker Tom Stewart took a quick tap 5 meters from the Bulls' tryline and bulldozed his way over the tryline to open Ulster's account on the scoreboard.
The next 20 minutes was an even period with both sides wasting several try-scoring opportunities, Ulster's winger Jacob Stockdale, however, ended this period of no scoring, going over in the corner for Ulster's second try. Stockdale's try extended Ulster's lead to 14-00 with 10 minutes still to play in the first half.
The Bulls struck back 6 minutes later following wave after wave of attacks by their big forwards. Eventually, Wilco Louw bulldozed his way over the tryline to reduce Ulster's lead to 7 points.
Two minutes later Sebastian de Klerk scored the Bulls' second try out wide after the big boys did the hard work upfront before the ball was spread wide. Ulster led 14-12 at the halftime break.
Ulster once again started the second half fast and Nathan Doak converted three penalties to extend Ulster's lead to 23-12 and 17 minutes still to play in the second half.
A great break by Nizaam Carr from the back of a great scrum led to a try by Elrigh Louw with 11 minutes still to play. The try reduced Ulster's lead to 23-19.
However, the ill-discipline of the Bulls continued and Nathan Doak converted his 4th penalty to extend Ulster's lead to 26-19 which was also the final score.
Scorers:
Ulster: Tries: Tom Stewart, Jacob Stockdale. Conversions: Nathan Doak (2). Penalties: Nathan Doak (4).
Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Wilco Louw, Sebastian de Klerk, Elrigh Louw. Conversions: Johan Goosen (2).