Ulster edge unlucky Lions

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Ulster came from behind to beat the Lions in Belfast on Friday, scoring three tries to the visitors’ two in a tight game.

James Hume, Jacob Stockdale and Rob Herring scored tries for Ulster with Nathan Doak converting three and substitute John Cooney adding a late penalty in a 24-17 victory at a windswept Kingspan Stadium.

Richard Kriel and Hanru Sirgel crossed for the Lions, Sanele Nohamba slotting two conversions and a penalty as The Pride earned a losing bonus point.

After 11 minutes winger Richard Kriel opened the scoring with a well-taken try from a cross-kick delivered with precision by flyhalf Sanele Nohamba who added the conversion.

Henco van Wyk then had a try called back in the 24th minute after a knock-on by Marius Louw in sparking a turnover strike.

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Just before the 30-minute mark, the Irish club finally made the breakthrough when James Hume dived through after another sustained period of pressure. Doak tied the scores with his conversion.

But the Lions came again and after several missed tackles on Van Wyk, the visitors took play to the line and Hanru Sirgel drove over from close range. Nohamba again converted the 34th minute score and the half ended with the Lions leading 14-7.

A minute after the restart, Ulster sent Jacob Stockdale over in the corner after working an overlap on the left. Doak’s conversion tied things up again.

But, once again, the Lions sneaked in front through a 44th minute Nohamba penalty. This time Ulster’s response was virtually immediate, and Herring drove off a maul to put the home team in the lead for the first time, Doak’s third conversion making it 21-17.

Nohamba was wide with a long-range penalty shot at the start of the final quarter, and when Ulster got their own kickable chance in the 66th minute, John Cooney slotted a penalty which put Ulster 24-17 in front.

Photo: Leah Scholes/INPHO/Shutterstock

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