Ulster bow out of the Heineken Cup on English soil once more but their season is far from over, writes Kristian Ross…
Ulster Rugby's Heineken Cup campaign came to an abrupt end as a dominant Saracens marched on to the semi finals in a 27-16 win at Twickenham.
The Ulstermen went into the game with massive support, many had made the trip from Northern Ireland, and other UK based Ulster fans had made the trip to London in order to Make Twickenham Home. Not only had the game been the hot topic of conversation due to the enormity of the match ahead, but the return of winger Tommy Bowe playing in his first game since the injury sustained against Northampton Saints last year.
However on a day which Ulster fans knew a semi final place was just 80 minutes away it looked like it was going to be difficult straight from the off, early Saracens pressure immediately leading to a penalty award that was slotted by Owen Farrell to give the Premiership side the lead.
Ulster knew they couldn't fall behind or give many penalties away to the in form Farrell, but whilst struggling to attack and defend as Saracens found gaps to run into they did find solace in the scrum which was controlled very well.
Saracens smash and bash tactics weren't pretty to watch, but certainly proving effective.
Ruan Pienaar missed his first attempt at goal, but slotted a difficult second to draw Ulster level, before Farrell immediately put Sarries back ahead via the boot.
However once more Ulster refused to lie down, and when scrum turned into a penalty, Pienaar again sent one through the uprights to level it up once more.
But then came the turning point in what was a catastrophic mistake via the officials. The Saracens were awarded a lineout in the Ulster 22, a lineout that was in fact Ulster's ball, and when a huge driving maul went over the line, Will Fraser got the all important first try of the match. Ulster felt even more hard done by as Poite went to the TMO, and from the every angle of the replays it looked inconclusive. Farrell converted and Ulster were up against it.
And a few minutes later the England fly half gave Sarries a ten point cushion going into half time leaving Ulster needing the best second half performance of the season to turn it round.
From then on Ulster knew any needless points conceded could cost them a place in the semi's and when they were penalised via a maul as the Saracens moved to within ten metres of the Ulster line, Owen Farrell again chipped over another kick to leave the Ulstermen staring at a 13 point gap.
With the last quarter of the game fast approaching, Ulster needed a try or points at least, Pienaar again getting three with a twenty metre or so kick.
Once again though Saracens were awarded a penalty of their own, and Owen Farrell continued his impeccable from to make it 22-9 in favour of the Premiership side.
Fifteen minutes were left and any score by Saracens would put Ulster in serious trouble, and unfortunately that's exactly what happened, Chris Ashton finding a the gap to run a decent line and strike the killer blow. Again though Ashton performed what can be only be described as arrogant antics, performing his swan dive whilst scoring.
Ulster fans were left downhearted, the gift by Poite and the officials had turned it on it's head, Saracens had been the better side, but it seemed a case of would could have been.
However the travelling support did have something to smile about at the end, Saracens defence finally breached as a well worked moved saw young Iain Henderson crash over, and the kick was converted.
As the final whistle blew though, Ulster knew they had came up short for the second year running at Twickenham, and the Heineken Cup campaign had drew to an stuttering halt.
But in a day that saw thousands of Ulster fans make the trip to Twickenham, they couldn't have had better support.
Anscombe will now concentrate on the Dragons game in the PRO12 come Friday night, he will be disappointed, but the league is still there and winnable.
Congratulations to Saracens, but remember, we will be back next year. Bigger, better and stronger.
Keep the Faith, and Stand Up For the Ulstermen.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
