Ulster fall short in battling bid to beat Bulls

Ulster almost completed a sensational fightback in their United Rugby Championship clash in Pretoria

Stuart McCloskey of Ulster scores his sides 4th try of the match. Pic: ©INPHO/Steve Haag Sports/Christiaan Kotze.

Bulls 34 Ulster 26

Ulster fell short as they were beaten 34-26 by the Bulls despite a superb fightback in their United Rugby Championship clash in Pretoria.

The South African side raced into a 21-0 lead with two tries from former Ulster forward Marcell Coetzee either side of an effort from Elrigh Louw.

Ulster replied on the stroke of half-time through Chay Mullins and David McCann reduced the arrears further after the restart.

Coetzee was then sin-binned to give Ulster further encouragement but a Handre Pollard penalty checked their momentum.

Mullins’ second try put the Irish side within striking distance but Johan Grobbelaar crossed from close range to all but make the game safe.

Ulster were given late hope when Stuart McCloskey forced his way over but Curwin Bosch’s last-minute penalty sealed the home side’s victory.