With URC play-off places and Champions Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the game delivered everything from crunching defence to length-of-the-field tries, and while Ulster came agonisingly close to a famous comeback victory, it was the league leaders who held on in the closing stages.
Glasgow struck first after seven minutes, when centre, Stafford McDowall, cut a sharp line through the Ulster defence to score just left of the posts, with George Horne adding the extras for a 7-0 lead.
Ulster responded with plenty of energy and defensive bite. Nick Timoney, James Hume and Harry Sheridan led the charge physically, while Michael Lowry constantly threatened with ball in hand. After weathering sustained Glasgow pressure, Ulster found their breakthrough in the 18th minute through a moment of magic from Zac Ward.
A flowing move involving Jake Flannery and Lowry released Ward down the outside channel, and the winger danced past defenders before exploding clear to score in the corner. Although the conversion drifted wide, Ulster had found momentum at 5-7.
The home side’s confidence continued to grow, helped by a huge defensive stand midway through the half when repeated Glasgow attacks on the try-line were held up brilliantly by the Ulster pack. Glasgow were then down to 14 when Nathan McBeth was penalised with a yellow card for a head-on-head challenge on Bryn Ward.
Then came one of the moments of the season. With Glasgow attacking deep inside the Ulster 22 in the 32nd minute, Zac Ward intercepted on his own line and tore almost the entire length of the pitch untouched to score under the posts.
The stadium erupted as Flannery converted to put Ulster ahead 12-7.
Showing their quality, Glasgow, however, responded quickly. Back on after his dismissal, Nathan McBeth powered over in the corner on 37 minutes, before Horne sniped over from close range on the stroke of half-time, converting both to hand the visitors a 21-12 advantage at the break.
Half Time Ulster 12 Glasgow 21
Ulster came flying out for the second half and continued to push, with a yellow card for Josh McKay’s high tackle on Tom Stewart further spurring on the Ulster men. Nathan Doak’s introduction added tempo, while Jack Murphy brought fresh spark in attack.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 58th minute. After a superb steal from replacement lock, Cormac Izuchukwu, Ulster shifted the ball wide through Jack Murphy and James Hume, before Mike Lowry’s clever kick ahead was gathered brilliantly by Ethan McIlroy, who dived over spectacularly in the corner to cut the deficit to four points.
The atmosphere inside Affidea Stadium cranked up another level nine minutes later with a sensational team try.
Tom Stewart sparked the move before Doak’s kick ahead was brilliantly kept alive by McIlroy. Bryn Ward then produced a composed offload inside to Jack Murphy, who finished brilliantly in the corner to send the crowd into delirium as Ulster moved ahead 22-21 after 67 minutes.
Ulster threw everything at Glasgow in the closing stages, but the visitors found one final decisive moment. In the 75th minute, wing, Kyle Rowe, found space down the outside and raced over in the corner to reclaim the lead for Glasgow. Horne narrowly missed the conversion, leaving Ulster within striking distance at 26-22.
The home side pushed desperately in the final minutes, but a loose ball inside the Glasgow 22 ended the final attack as the visitors held firm.
Despite the defeat, Ulster delivered a performance full of heart, resilience and attacking ambition, with Zac Ward’s remarkable double and a stirring second-half comeback pushing Glasgow all the way to the final whistle.
Attention now turns to next week’s EPCR Challenge Cup final in Bilbao, where a win would not only secure qualification for next season’s Champions Cup, but also bring the province its first piece of silverware in 20 years.
FT: Ulster 22 Glasgow Warriors 26
BKT URC Player of the Match - Zac Ward
A typical all-action display from the in-form winger, who continues to showcase his speed, power and ability to break defensive lines. Ward was always a threat against the Scots and his two tries tonight were magic. The first showed his ability to beat defenders, whereas his second showed his reading of the game and speed to run the length of the field to score.
Scorers:
Ulster:
Tries: Zac Ward (2), Ethan McIlroy, Jack Murphy.
Cons: Jake Flannery
Glasgow Warriors:
Tries: Stafford McDowall, Nathan McBeth, George Horne, Kyle Rowe
Cons: George Horne (3)
Yellow Card: McBeth, McKay
Teams
Ulster Rugby:
1. Sam Crean, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Joe Hopes, 7. Nick Timoney (C), 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Wilhelm De Klerk, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry
Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Cormac Izuchukwu, 20. Lorcan McLoughlin, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Jack Murphy, 23. Ethan McIlroy
Glasgow Warriors:
1. Nathan McBeth, 2. Johnny Matthews, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Gregor Brown, 5. Alex Samuel, 6. Ally Miller, 7. Macenzzie Duncan, 8 Jack Dempsey, 9. George Horne, 10 Dan Lancaster, 11. Kyle Rowe, 12. Sione Tuipulotu, 13. Stafford McDowall, 14. Kyle Steyn (C), 15 Josh McKay
Replacements: 16. Gregor Hiddleston, 17. Rory Sutherland, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Jare Oguntibeju, 20. Euan Ferrie, 21. Sione Vailanu, 22 Ben Afshar, 23 Ollie Smith