Ulster 18

Connacht 10

Ulster climbed into the play-off spots this evening with a hard fought victory over table toppers Connacht at Kingspan Stadium.

Pat Lam's side were punished for not making the most of early pressure and two penalties from Paddy Jackson, followed by Rory Best's first half try left the league leaders frustrated at the break.

Caolin Blade gave the visitors some hope after the restart when his try dragged them back into contention, Craig Gilroy's try after the restart looked to have put Les Kiss' side out of sight.

But two sin bins in the last 10 minutes meant Connacht would trail by eight points and finish the game with thirteen men, too much to salvage a losing bonus point.

 Craig Gilroy streaks clear of Connacht's Matt Healy
Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Brian Little

Stuart McCloskey tackles Bundee Aki 
Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Eoin McKeon tackles Roger Wilson  
Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Brian Little

Connacht's Bundee Aki has words with Ulster players
Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie