Ulster 40 Glasgow Warriors 15
Ulster continued their unbeaten start with their fifth consecutive win in the Guinness Pro 14 season, the fundamental difference between the teams at night is the ability to convert at home chances. Glasgow played some decent rugby, but lacked the cutting edge of their opponents, especially in the opening 40 minutes.
John Cooney offered a timely reminder of his quality with a polished performance, so often a catalyst for his team’s good moments. Marcel Cotzi was generally physically clear while hooker John Andrew was impressive in every one of his offers. Marty Moore and Sean Reddy also enjoyed high profile outings, which later produced the Man of the Match performance.
TJAON’s effort gave Glasgow an ideal start four minutes after the best start when they dominated the collision and after a nice break from left-wing winger Nico Matavalu, Glasgow number eight was almost eliminated. Peter Horn added the conversion.
However, the line of discipline was abandoned by giving visitors some fines, and in the end, Ratu Tagiv awarded Michael Lori in Glasgow 22 for the high gift, Ian Madig was kicked in the corner and Ulster Hooker John Andrew sank for an attempt. On top of which Cooney improved.
Ulster’s second attempt once again came from the lineout, this time Andrew went short of the line and Koetzi gave power for his fourth attempt in several games. Kuni’s conversion gave the home side a 14-10 lead. Glasgow almost took the lead when Scrumhalf Sean Kennedy was fined shortly after taking a quick tap penalty; Lori saved his team from being forced into a penalty turnover.
The home side were relieved when, four minutes before the interval, Sam Carter initially denied an attempt just 60 seconds earlier, when he fell under the posts with a little help from his teammates. Cooney converted and excellent scraw Malfe added a fourth and bonus point effort in the first half injury time, while Matavalu was sent on a sin bin.
Cooney added the conversion to give his side a 28-10 interval lead. Ulster was tired of the visitors’ grief at the start again, Reddy and Matt Feddes Glasgow added an effort before getting a response when Hooker kicked Grant Stewart out of the line. Lori was sent to Sin Pan to be intentionally knocked out in the prelude.
The score certainly galvanized visitors and the Scottish bench brought more energy to the raft with replacement rafts from both sides as Ulster’s level of performance dropped slightly. Koitzi suffered a leg injury that left South Africa with a quarter of the game left and the home side lost the power of their advantage.
Glasgow, for all their efforts, saw many good scoring chances and Ulster managed to see through the final 20 minutes without conceding a second score.
Scoring Rank – 4 min: Ion Troy, Horn Conversion, 0-7; 11: Andrew Troy, Connie Conversion, 7-7; 20: Hornen penalty, 7-10; 24: Kotzi Troy, Cooney Conversion, 14-10; 36: Carter Troy, Cooney Conversion, 21-10; 40 (+3): Connie Troy, Connie Conversion, 28-10. Half-time: 28-10. 49: Ready Troy, 33-10; 55: Feddes try, Kuni conversion, 40-10; 60: Stuart Troy, 40-15.
Ulster: M Lori; C. Gilroy, L. Marshall, S. Moore, M. Fades; I Madigan, J. Cooney; E. O. Sullivan, J. Andrew, M. Moore; K. Treadwell, S. Carter (Capture); Matty Ray, S. Ready, M. Cotzi.
Changes: Carter O’Connor for 47 minutes; B. Johnston Madigan 47 minutes; E. McLeroy Marshall for 50 minutes; O Sullivan for 58 minutes or so; Andrew McBurney for 60 minutes; Kotzi Marcus Ray for 60 minutes; M. Moore G. Milasinovich for 61 minutes; 68 minutes for D Shanahan Kuni.
Yellow card: M. Lori (Ulster) 59 min.
Glasgow Warriors: G. Bryce; R. T. Tag Give, R. Ferguson, S. M. Kadavall, N. voted; P. Horny, S. Kennedy; A. Seuli, G. Stuart, E. Pirato; R. Harley, K. McDonald; R. Wilson (Capture), T. Gordon, T.J. Ion.
Changes: McDowell B. Thomson for 47 minutes; De ray pirato for 50 minutes; McDonald’s L Bean for 50 minutes; Loktoi for Aoken 53F; Seoul Allen for 53 minutes; Stewart J Matthew for 67 minutes; Kennedy C. Corteveg for 74 minutes.
Yellow card: Ann Matavalu (Glasgow) 40 minutes.
Referee: Ann Owens (Wales)