Ulster 8-0 Ospreys
BY SPORTS REPORTER ALEX KEERY
Jacob Stockdale’s last minute try proved to be the only bright spark in Ulster’s edgy 8-0 win over Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium.
A 6th minute John Cooney penalty had opened the scoring, but Ulster struggled to create, and soon lost out-half Jonny McPhilips to injury.
He was replaced by Dave Shanahan, with Cooney moving to number ten.
The game was utterly lacking in spark and creativity from both sides, and with the exception of an Ospreys disallowed try, the first half fizzled out without incident.
The 2nd period didn’t begin with much promise, although Ulster were handed the numerical advantage just before the hour when Ospreys winger Jeff Hassler was shown a yellow card.
It wasn’t until the 69th minute that Ulster found a way through the Ospreys defence, but sub Nick Timoney failed to ground the ball cleanly after chasing a kick behind the visitors’ line.
It wasn’t until the final move of the match that Jacob Stockdale broke free to run in from distance for the only score of the game.