Match Reports

Report | Ulster 27 Scarlets 15

28th January 2022

It took only three minutes for the hosts to get on the scoreboard, and Nathan Doak was the man to land the penalty to put Ulster 3 points up.

Ulster threatened early, when Billy Burns made a superb intercept and break down field for their first chance. He kicked the ball through and was able to swallow up Tom Rogers who made the gather, but the visitors did well to retain possession.

Scarlets brought the scores level through the boot of out-half, Dan Jones, after Ulster were penalised for not rolling away.

Ulster had a golden opportunity after Shaun Evans was penalised for going off his feet and Billy Burns kicked to touch for the line-out. The Ulster maul powered over the line but the Scarlets defence did well to hold John Andrew up for the goal-line drop-out.

The visitors had a chance of their own when Ryan Conbeer made a break down the left wing, but Greg Jones tracked back superbly to make the steal.

Scarlets had the benefit of a man advantage after Craig Gilroy was yellow-carded for a high hit on Tom Rogers, and soon scored through tighthead, Samson Lee. Dan Jones added the conversion to put the visiting side 7 points ahead.

It didn’t take long for Ulster to reply, however. They had a penalty five metres out, which Duane Vermeulen picked up and drove towards the line. Angus Curtis cut a great line to collect the pass from Nathan Doak to burrow over. Doak added the extras to draw level before the break.

The men in white had a great chance on 46 minutes when Ethan McIlroy made a searing break, passing inside to Nathan Doak who kicked the ball through, but the covering Scarlets defence beat Doak to it by the fingertips to ground the ball over the line.

Ulster’s second try came through Sam Carter, who muscled over under a pile of Ulster bodies in the corner, after a series of pick-and-goes. The flags stayed down on the tricky conversion attempt.

Scarlets were made to work hard for their second try by a robust Ulster defence. After several phases and patient play, Kemsley Mathias was the man to get over for the Welsh side.

Just three minutes later, Ulster responded through Gareth Milasinovich who showed great strength to drive over over for his first try and Doak drilled over the conversion.

The tails were now up and the Ulster men claimed their bonus-point try, after a brilliant run by Billy Burns who offloaded just before he was bundled into touch, with a flick of the ball from the boot of Nathan Doak, to Craig Gilroy who dotted down in the corner.

Ulster were able to see out the remaining ten minutes to notch up five match points in the URC table.

Full-time score: Ulster 27 Scarlets 15

Worth Another Look

Angus Curtis goes over for @UlsterRugby! ⚪

A really competitive first half with nothing separating the hosts and Scarlets at half time 🙌 pic.twitter.com/en8T6A9uw4
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) January 28, 2022

Player of the Match

🏅 He was involved in everything and controlled the game tonight... Your @URCOfficial Player of the Match was Billy Burns! 👊

FT ⚪️ 27-15 🔴 | #ULSvSCA #URC | #SUFTUM ⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/kfMUy6zQ2b
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) January 28, 2022