Connacht 30 – 25 Ulster

Connacht secured a four-try bonus point win over league leaders Ulster at a sold out Sportsground tonight. Jack Carty, Cian Kelleher (2) and James Connolly all crossed the whitewash with Carty adding another 10 points with the boot.

While they never led, Ulster ensured it was a close game throughout with three tries of their own scored by Craig Gilroy, Rory Best and captain Jared Payne. Outhalf Paddy Jackson kicked four from five and 10 points from the tee.

Half time: Connacht 19 – 8 Ulster

Full time: Connacht 30 – 25 Ulster

Man of the Match: Cian Kelleher

Attendance: 6194, sold out

Referee: Gary Conway

CONNACHT: T O’Halloran; N Adeolokun, B Aki, C Ronaldson, C Kelleher; J Carty, C Blade; F Bealham, D Heffernan, C Carey; U Dillane, A Browne; E McKeon, J Heenan, J Muldoon (capt).

Replacements: J Connolly for McKeon (8 mins), JP Cooney for Connolly (37-43 mins) and for Carey (61 mins), R Loughney for Bealham (61 mins), Stacey Ili for Aki (64-68 mins),  L Stevenson for Browne (68 mins), S O’Leary for Carty (71 mins), S Delahunt for Heffernan (73 mins). Not used: S Kerins.Sinbinned: Carey (33-43 mins).

ULSTER: J Payne (capt); T Bowe, L Ludik, D Cave, C Gilroy; P Jackson, P Marshall; C Black, R Best, R Ah You; R Diack, P Browne; I Henderson, C Ross, R Wilson.

Replacements: R Lyttle for Cave (half-time), A Warwick for Black, S Reidy for Ross (both 55 mins), R Kane for Ah You (57 mins), K Treadwell for Browne (63 mins), R Herring for Best, B Herron for Ludik (both 64 mins), Ah You for Ross (78 mins). Not used: D Shanahan. Sin-binned: Kane (75 mins).