A disappointing home defeat for Ulster, but they’re still on course for top spot, writes Kristian Ross…
Ryan Bevington scored the match winning try for Ospreys as the Welsh side condemned Ulster to just their third defeat of the season in the first PRO12 game back at Ravenhill in five weeks.
Ulster who were going into the game with a noticeable injury list took the lead early on against the reigning champions, Ospreys not releasing the ball and it was Ruan Pienaar who sent over a trademark kick to put the table toppers 3-0 in front.
However the Ospreys levelled through Matthew Morgan from the tee following an Ulster offside, the kick possible the most interesting you'll see this season, curling out and back in.
But the scores didn't stay the same for long, as the Ulstermen were awarded another penalty, Ruan Pienaar with a sublime effort from considerable distance to send the men in white back in front.
For Ospreys though they once again showed why they were the current PRO12 champs, Mike McComish holding on to the ball, and Matthew Morgan making sure from the tee to make it 6-6.
Ulster looked to force the issue and some great work from Paddy Wallace saw yet another penalty awarded that was easily converted by Ruan Pienaar. Ulster lead at the break 9-6 but considered themselves lucky, Ospreys had threatened throughout.
As the game resumed, Ulster fans knew the game was on a knife edge, and that the next score could be the one that swung the momentum.
And it was Ospreys who got it, another penalty from Matthew Morgan following Ali Birch not rolling away, and for the third time the scores were level again.
Ruan Pienaar made way for Paul Marshall as the South African took a knock to the shoulder as Ulster had pushed forward trying to look for the first try of the match. They didn't get it, but took three points instead, the boot of young Stuart Olding following yet another kick. Seventeen minutes left, Ulster looked in prime position, three points ahead, and Morgan Allen sent to the bin.
But rugby showed how cruel it could be, a fantastic run by Paul Marshall saw him make 80m, but as the Ospreys regained possession a lethal breakaway move saw Kahn Fotuali'I offload to prop Ryan Bevington who scored a magnificent try to give the Swansea side the advantage, that was extended by Matthew Morgan.
As the clock wound down, Ulster probed at the Ospreys defences, numerous attacks, but excellent defending saw them repelled time after time, Ulster getting desperate in the final few minutes. But it simply wasn't to be as Ospreys held on for a huge victory that bolstered their chances of a playoff campaign, as Ulster had to settle for a losing bonus point.
Looking forward to next week, Mark Anscombe will be disappointed that Ulster didn't finish off the Ospreys and didn't score a try despite a injury plagued squad. Stuart Olding making his first start was a positive, once again the youth from the Ravens side making a step up. Ulster know that next weeks game against bottom of the table Zebre may seem simple on paper, but let's remember the game in Italy a few months ago.
The defeat a minor setback, but with Ulster still top of the league, seven points clear, it's fair to say that I'm not worrying, and I don't think anyone else is either. The PRO12 break is over, the Ulstermen are back, and the final stretch for the top spot starts here...
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.
