Ulster came out top in a seven try thriller at the Sportsground on Friday night with an 18 – 34 win. Tries from Stuart Olding, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne secured Ulster the bonus point win that keeps them in poll position at the top of the PRO12 as the teams go into the final week of the regular season.
The game kicked off in bright sunshine and the unusual conditions, especially for Galway, seemed to rub off on the players as the match kicked off at a rattling pace with both sides throwing the ball about with the abandon of a pre season friendly.
Connacht were first to take advantage when a somewhat sluggish Ruan Pienaar was snagged in his own 22 by the impressive Marmion and the quick turnover ball was moved left for Naoupu to stroll over unopposed in the corner to give Connacht a 5 – 0 lead after three minutes!
Ulster worked their way back into the game and a delightful interchange featuring Trimble, Payne and Cave, along the touchline, sent Olding clear to cross under the posts. Pienaar converted pushing Ulster into a 5 – 7 lead.
The visitors went further in-front two . . .
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