Match Reports

Match Report | Ulster 26 Scarlets 24

22nd November 2020
Ulster maintained their winning run in the Guinness PRO14 with a tightly-contested bonus point victory over Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday evening. The hosts were first to put points on the board through a superb score by Rob Lyttle, who made a scintillating run and step inside the Scarlets defence with nobody to catch him. Cooney’s conversion attempt was just off-target. Ulster then started to feel the heat a little when Scarlets went on the attack. Dan Jones had two penalty opportunities in quick succession, but the radar was off on both occasions. Scarlets hit back in the 17th minute when they capitalised on a man advantage after Kieran Treadwell was sent to the bin for a high challenge, and Paul Asquith crossed for the visitors. Full-back Angus O’Brien added the conversion to take the lead. Ulster soon responded through Stewart Moore plucking out a Scarlets pass just outside the Ulster 22 to run in a superb try. Cooney’s conversion put Ulster five points ahead. On the stroke of half-time, Ulster stretched their lead when Sean Reidy powered his way over for the hosts’ third try of the evening and Cooney adding the extras. The visitors were quick out of the blocks in the second half – Steff Hughes making a cross-field kick out to winger Ryan Conbeer who then scored in the corner. The conversion attempt was off-target. Scarlets again took advantage of having an extra man while Matt Faddes was in the sin bin and Steff Evans scored the visitors’ third try of the evening. O’Brien was unable to convert. Ulster secured the try bonus point in the 65th minute through Kieran Treadwell barging over for his fourth league try. Johnston added the two. Scarlets got a fourth try through replacement prop, Phil Price, who drove over from a Scarlets maul. O’Brien’s conversion was on target, bringing the gap to two points, but Ulster did just enough to come away with the win. Full-time score: Ulster 26 Scarlets 24

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

SCORERS

Ulster Tries: Rob Lyttle, Stewart Moore, Sean Reidy, Kieran Treadwell Cons: John Cooney (2), Bill Johnston Scarlets Tries: Paul Asquith, Ryan Conbeer, Steff Evans, Phil Price Cons: Angus O’Brien (2)

LINE-UPS

Ulster (15-9) Michael Lowry, Matt Faddes, Luke Marshall, Stewart Moore, Rob Lyttle, Bill Johnston, John Cooney; (1-8) Eric O'Sullivan, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Alan O'Connor (Capt.), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Sean Reidy, Marcell Coetzee. Replacements: Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Tom O'Toole, David O'Connor, Jordi Murphy, Alby Mathewson, Ian Madigan, Craig Gilroy. Scarlets (15-9) Angus O’Brien; Ryan Conbeer, Steff Hughes (Capt.),  Paul Asquith,  Steff Evans;  Dan Jones, Dane Blacker; (1-8) Rob Evans, Taylor Davies, Javan Sebastian, Jac Price, Danny Drake, Ed Kennedy,  Jac Morgan, Sione Kalamafoni Replacements: Daf Hughes, Phil Price, Werner Kruger, Dan Davis, Uzair Cassiem, Will Homer, Sam Costelow, Tyler Morgan.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION