It was a good win over Glasgow but a home quarterfinal will be crucial for Ulster, writes Kristian Ross
Ulster Rugby's campaign for the Heineken Cup continued with qualification to the quarter final stage after a terrific win over Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill.
Both teams started sloppily vying for position but failing to get it. However as always it was Mr Reliable himself who put Ulster ahead, Ruan Pienaar putting the men in white ahead with a superb penalty, curling the ball just inside the post.
And Ulster almost got in for the first try when some poor handling from the Warriors almost saw Andrew Trimble get over but it was hastily cleared. But seconds later it was all too easy for Nick Williams who once again used the pick and drive to his advantage and over he went to give Ulster five points that was easily converted by Ruan Pienaar.
Glasgow did try and make ground, but when another Ulster penalty was awarded, Ruan Pienaar could have made it look even more ominous for the Scottish side, but he pushed his penalty wide. And Ulster then started to really pile on the pressure, combining almost to get Craig Gilroy underneath the posts, but were unable to finish the move off despite more poor defence from Glasgow.
Glasgow did finally get a penalty to try and reduce the deficit, Duncan Weir trying his luck from 49m, but the kick fell short, and Glasgow had missed an important opportunity, one of few they would get.
But they did have another chance a few moments later after Andrew Trimble was called for a very late tackle, this time it was a shorter distance for Duncan Weir, but this time he pulled it wide as Glasgow again failed to capitalise. But despite his earlier mistake, Andrew Trimble almost intercepted for Ulster again this season, but he was able to cling onto the ball. The half time whistled shortly followed, Ulster led 10-0 and Glasgow were seriously under the kosh.
As the second half kicked off Ulster knew that they could finish Glasgow off with a try and after the Ulstermen were awarded a penalty, Pienaar kicked for touch to try and get Ulster into that perfect position but it came to no avail when Glasgow were awarded a penalty themselves and were able to clear.
Finally Glasgow registered on the board when a penalty was awarded in a easy position and Duncan Weir finally got his first success of the night.
The game started to become poor, both teams started to engage in messy play, and when Iain Henderson was sent to the bin, Glasgow knew this was the time to capitalise. And when Duncan Weir got another three points for Ulster, the balance looked to be swinging towards the side wearing blue.
As the game entered the final quarter Ulster knew they needed to bury the match, a try the goal, but even a penalty would have given sufficient breathing space. And that's exactly what they got, a hand in the ruck and Ruan Pienaar stuck over an easy kick. But as much as the positives were taken, once again the thoughts turned to injuries, Nick Williams the latest casualty as he was taken off.
But a few moments later, another penalty was awarded to last seasons Heineken Cup finalists, but Ruan Pienaar for the second time in the match hooked the kick wide, and the last thirteen minutes were going to prove interesting.
As the clock started to wind down, Ulster knew the territory was vital and if they could keep the ball in the Glasgow half they could take the crucial W.
And then came the sucker punch, on his return from injury, Jared Payne stretched for the line after a pass from Paul Marshall to give Ulster what would be an advantage that would not be caught, despite Ruan Pienaar missing the conversion narrowly as it hit the post. But Ulster still weren't finished and a cracking run from Darren Cave saw him get a brilliant try that sent Ravenhill delirious !!
At last the whistle was blown and Ulster had done it, another victory, this time by twenty three points to six, securing a Heineken Cup quarter final once again.
In short, looking forward to next weeks match, it was a game of twists and turns, Ulster looked dominant, then on the back foot, and the wet conditions didn't make it any easier. More injury concerns for Mark Anscombe, Paddy Jackson, Craig Gilroy and Nick Williams all taking knocks.
However looking at it in all, it was another fantastic win for Ulster, qualification to the quarters secured and another win at Ravenhill. As the quarter finals beckons, can Ulster grab the home quarter final ? It will be the perfect stepping stone as the Heineken Cup enters that very interesting stage. Champions ? Well... Don't ever write us off. 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.
