Ulster fell to an opening night defeat

Neath-Swansea 30 Ulster 41

Ulster fell to an opening night defeat in the Celtic League, as the Neath-Swansea Ospreys came from behind to earn their first competitive win in the history of regional Welsh rugby.

Ulster held a 21-16 interval lead, thanks to three breakaway tries in the opening period. Ospreys’ prop Dave Tiueti piled over the line after just two minutes for an early score, from a lay-off from centre Scott Gibbs.

Despite having little of the possession, Alan Solomons’ side gradually took the lead, as misplaced pass from Andy Williams was pounced on by lock Rowan Frost and his pass sent Shane Stewart over from seventy yards out. Prop Ronan McCormack was on the end of their second try and captain Andy Ward crossed the line for Ulster’s third try after the midpoint of the half.

Paddy Wallace converted all three of those, but missed two easy penalties, as three well-struck penalties from Neath’s Shaun Connor closed the Welsh side to within five points of the visitors

at the break.

Tries from Adrian Durston and two from 60th minute substitute Gavin Henson put the home side in front, with the in-form Henson adding a penalty and a conversion to his evening’s tally of fifteen points. Ulster’s Wallace hit a hat-trick of second half penalties but it was not enough to steal a valuable win.