ULSTER 28 – 24 OSPREYS Ospreys followed Cardiff Rugby out of the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup with a similarly gut-wrenching finish in Belfast as they had what would have been a match winning try in the 78th minute erased for a forward pass in the build-up. While the referee was content […]
ULSTER 28 – 24 OSPREYS
Ospreys followed Cardiff Rugby out of the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup with a similarly gut-wrenching finish in Belfast as they had what would have been a match winning try in the 78th minute erased for a forward pass in the build-up.
While the referee was content that Kieran Hardy had touched down at the posts, the TMO reviewed the pass out of a tackle by Owen Watkin some 40 metres out after his break had paved the way for a score.
The officials eventually agreed that the pass had gone forwards and what would have been an epic comeback victory into the teeth of Storm David was lost. Now Jac Morgan’s side will have to concentrate on trying to reach the top eight in the BKT United Rugby Championship over the final four rounds of matches.
Newly capped Irish lock Cormac Izuchukwu crashed over for the opening try in the fourth minute to give Ulster the perfect start. But with the wind at their backs in the first half the visitors were able to ensure they changed ends with their noses in front at 17-14.
Reuben Morgan-Williams sniped his way over for the first Ospreys try and then Daniel Kasende got a second. Wales outside half Dan Edwards converted both and also kicked a penalty.
Ulster replied with a Dave McCann try, which Nathan Doak again converted, and they made immediate use of the elements in the second half to take the lead with a Jacob Stockdale score five minutes after the re-start. Another Doak conversion made it 21-17 and then back row man Nick Timoney romped over for a fourth try.
The conversion gave Ulster an 11 point lead and the Ospreys task became all the harder when skipper Jac Morgan saw yellow in the 56th minute. No sooner had he returned than his side hit back.
From a scrum in the home 22, Hardy broke blind and Edwards tipped on a pass to Luke Morgan on the right wing. Morgan went for the corner and as he dived to score, Jack Murphy caught him high and just prevented him to touch down.
The referee reviewed the incident and determined the high tackle stopped a try and gave Murphy a yellow in the 68th minute and awarded the Ospreys a penalty try.
Now the race was on for the winning score for the visitors and it seemed they had conjured up a winning score when Watkin made his break and Hardy reached the posts – only for the try to be ruled out.