Heineken Cup: Humphreys wins it for Ulster

Benetton Treviso 28 Ulster 33

David Humphreys put one over on former team-mate Simon Mason as Ulster opened their account in the Heineken Cup.

Mason, who was a guiding light for Ulster in their European Cup-winning season three years ago, bagged 23 points for his new club as Treviso threatened to send the Irish province home with their tails between their legs.

But Humphreys, who has been in outstanding form this term, won the day with a try, three conversions and four penalties.

It was nip and tuck in a first half with the two kickers very much to the fore.

Mason struck the opening blow for Treviso with his first penalty of the afternoon and added a second soon after.

However, with the Ulster pack on top much of the time, powerful flanker Andy Ward came up trumps with a try that Humphreys converted for a 7-6 advantage.

Irish eyes were smiling once again five minutes later as James Topping showed a clean pair of heels to the Treviso back division for Humphreys to convert once again before adding a penalty soon after.

However, Treviso and Mason would not go down without a fight and by half-time the home side were 18-17 up with Mason kicking four penalties, including one with the last kick of the first half.

The second half assumed the same pattern as the first with Mason and Humphreys swapping penalties.

However, the turning point came just short of the hour when Humphreys turned try scorer.

A swift move gave Ulster the platform and when Humphreys dashed over to convert his own try, it looked like game set and match.

Massimiliano Perziano pegged back the deficit with a try in the final quarter to leave Ulster sweating but Humphreys made no mistake with his fourth penalty shot at goal and that was that.

Tony McWhirter, the giant Ulster back row man, was handed the man of the match award but it was Ulster’s all round team display that won the day.

Pool 2 Treviso (18) 28. Tries: Perziano. Cons: Mason. Pens: Mason 7. Ulster (17) 33. Tries: Ward, J. Topping, Humphreys. Cons: Humphreys 3. Pens: Humphreys 4.