Henson penalty saves points for Ospreys

Neath-Swansea Ospreys 22 Ulster 21

An 82nd-minute penalty from Gavin Henson salvaged a last-gasp victory for Celtic League leaders Neath-Swansea at home to Ulster tonight.

Wales centre Henson scored all his side’s 22 points in a gripping contest which saw the lead changes hands on numerous occasions.

Ulster thought they had clinched a hard-fought encounter with a late penalty from prolific fly-half David Humphreys – but it was that man Henson who had the final word with a 35-metre strike from in front of the posts.

The Ospreys were into their stride inside the third minute thanks to a moment of magic from Henson, switched to full-back for this game.

He raced on to a Humphreys high kick and, with the defence opening up, raced 50 metres unopposed to the line.

Henson added the conversion, but the Ospreys then struggled to find any pattern to their game.

In contrast, Ulster – who have so often struggled away from home this season - grew in confidence, with Humphreys again pulling the strings.

The fly-half reduced the arrears with a 17th-minute penalty and then played a key role in his team’s first try when he provided wing Andrew Maxwell with a slick inside pass.

The youngster still had a lot to do but showed good pace to race between the attempted tackles of Henson and Shane Williams to touch down.

Back came the Ospreys with a penalty from Henson, only for Humphreys to put the visitors back in front with a 38th-minute goal.

With referee Rob Dickson strict at the break-down, Henson took another opportunity to give his side a 13-11 interval lead.

His third success five minutes after the restart increased the advantage. But it did not last long, with Ulster wing Tommy Bowe winning the race to the touchdown after a clever break and kick through from scrum-half Kieran Campbell.

Humphreys’ touchline conversion made it 18-16 to the Irish province.

But the game swung again thanks to the boot of that man Henson.

The Ospreys were fortunate to have their leading points-scorer in such fine form, and his fourth penalty nudged the home side back in front once more.

Humphreys then made it 21-19 going into injury time, before Henson’s late intervention to put his side five points ahead at the top of the table.

Other Celtic League result: Edinburgh 23 Llanelli 0