Ospreys battle past Ulster

Justin Marshall's second-half try secured Ospreys a 16-8 victory over Ulster in the Heineken Cup on Friday night.

The Welsh region won 48-17 against the same opposition at the Liberty Stadium last time out but Simon Danielli's try meant they trailed going into half-time.

Magners League strugglers Ulster have already beaten Ospreys in the league at Ravenhill this season, but despite a valiant battling defensive effort in Belfast remain rooted to the bottom of Pool Two.

Victory means Ospreys keep up the pressure on group leaders Gloucester and can still qualify for the competition's quarter-finals, but they would have liked more.

Spark

Ulster were lifted by a strong run from winger Tommy Bowe out of his 22 in the opening minutes and the Welsh team were made to work hard for every point against a much more competitive pack this week.

Despite the difficulties they were encountering trying to pierce Ulster's defence, James Hook kicked Ospreys into a 6-0 lead from two early penalties.

Ulster academy star Niall O'Connor responded with a penalty of his own to reduce the deficit to three though as the home side began to grow in confidence.

First, Ospreys captain Huw Bennett was penalised for incorrect binding when his team had head and feed in the scrum five metres from the Ulster line, and then wingers Bowe and Danielli combined to make the visitors pay the price just before the break.

Danielli showed great footwork to dance around full-back Lee Byrne and, despite the pass he received from his left winger looking forward, Ulster had an 8-6 lead.

O'Connor missed the conversion, but Hook also missed a penalty chance from halfway, as Ulster went into the break in buoyant mood and with a two point advantage.

Turnaround

Ospreys made a much more positive start after the restart though and were rewarded for their improved territory and possession just 10 minutes later.

Number eight Filo Tiatia collected a lineout on the edge of the Ulster 22 and passed to the onrushing Marshall while still in the air and the New Zealand scrum-half ran in unchallenged for a try straight from the training ground. Hook kicked the conversion and Ospreys had a 13-8 lead.

Ulster second rower Ryan Caldwell was sin-binned moments later for deliberate play of the ball on the ground when Ospreys had a good attacking position. Hook kicked the penalty and the Welsh team had some breathing space at 16-8 up.

Substitute Paddy Wallace missed a penalty chance to get Ulster back in the game just after the hour mark and replacement Carlo Del Fava compounded the home side's problems.

The Italy international was yellow-carded for pulling Adam Jones' hair with 11 minutes remaining so Ulster were effectively forced to see out the game a man light.

Ospreys could not extend their advantage despite their numeric superiority, but take four points from the game with Bourgoin to play Gloucester on Saturday.