Andrew Trimble’s interception try was enough to keep his side top of the league, writes Kristian Ross…
Ulster Rugby made it an incredible tenth consecutive win in the league and twelfth overall to go nine points clear at the top of the RaboDirectPRO12 as the second placed Scarlets were beaten on home soil.
The fiercely anticipated top of the table class saw Aled Thomas and Paddy Jackson trade off with missed penalties before Jackson put Ulster ahead.
However Thomas levelled for the Scarlets just before the twenty minute mark.
In a game that was slow and un entertaining so far, Ulster finally got the breakthrough they needed, Andrew Trimble running in a intercept try that saw Paddy Jackson slot from under the posts to give Ulster a decent advantage.
And Ulster were even further in front when Jackson kicked yet another penalty to give the team in white a ten point cushion at half time.
Ulster knew that killing the game off in the second half would be the main objective and looked to be well on their way as Jackson kicked yet another penalty through the sticks.
But the Scarlets worked hard and two consecutive penalties from Thomas saw the Welsh side narrow the advantage slightly as they pushed for the vital score.
Once more Paddy Jackson kicked from the tee to give Ulster three more points, but when Dan Tuohy was binned, Scarlets sniffed a chance to get something.
However the Welsh side lacked any killer edge and had to settle for a losing bonus point, deja vu as Aled Thomas scored yet another penalty to finish the game at 12-19 in Ulster's favour.
Looking forward to the week again, it's time for a break in the PRO12 as Ulster take on Northampton in the pool stage of the Heineken Cup. Ulster made some sloppy mistakes at Parc y Scarlets however did look better than the mishaps of Treviso and Zebre from the week previous mainly due to the return of key players.
Ulster knew that it was a game they could afford to lose in Wales but another win gives them a very comfortable advantage before their next league encounter, surely to be the tastiest yet as they take on provincial rivals Leinster at Fortress Ravenhill.
Yet as we come closer to Christmas we realise, Mark Anscombe has created the perfectly winning formula. Over the festive period it's hard not to think about the tragic loss of Nevin Spence. But one thing is for certain. He would be incredibly proud of the way every player has took to the pitch this season.
As always....
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.
