Ulster 25
Ospreys 16
DARREN CAVE CLAIMED a try at either end of the 80 minutes to inflict a first Pro12 defeat of the season on leaders Ospreys.
The international centre dived across a disorganised ruck after five minutes to give the northern province the early advantage.
And after three successful Paddy Jackson kicks (one a conversion), the northern province looked well in control by the time lock Franco Van Der Merwe grounded the game’s second try a minute before the break.
Against an understrength Ospreys side, the 18 – 3 half time lead should have been the platform ulster needed to open up their opponents and reach for a bonus point that would have made them outright leaders of the league.
Instead, the Welsh province battled their way back in to reach of their hosts thanks to Martin Roberts’ try after the turnaround.
Three further penalties from Sam Davies clawed the deficit back to 18 – 16 just after the hour and Ulster’s dominance was turned to nervous discomfort until Cave sealed the victory two minutes from time.
The win sees Ulster pull level on points at the top of the Pro12 alongside Ospreys, but with Paddy Jackson leaving the scene in the final quarter with an apparent shoulder injury, the night was far from satisfying.
Scorers
Ulster
Tries: D Cave (2), F Van Der Merwe
Conv: P Jackson, I Humphreys
Penalties: P Jackson (2)
Ospreys
Try: M Roberts
Conv: S Davies
Penalties: S Davies (3)
