Ulster start Champions Cup campaign with win

Ulster secured a 24-10 win at home to Leicester Tigers on Saturday to kick off their European Champions Cup campaign.

The home side scored three second-half tries after dominating most of the game in both territory and possession.

But it was Leicester who took the lead - English fly-half George Ford edged the visitors ahead after 15 minutes with a penalty from under the posts.

The home side then enjoyed most of the play until half-time.

Michael Lowry went close with Ford stopping him with a high tackle five metres from the Leicester line.

Ford was sent to the bin, but Ulster couldn't capitalise on the numerical difference, with Craig Gilroy going closest, but he was tackled into touch as he dived for the line.

Ulster started strong in the second half and had the lead after 44 minutes. Alan O'Connor barged over the line for a try after a number of phases through the forwards.

And the home side thought they had another score less than a minute later. However, Iain Henderson's try was ruled out after a forward pass in the build-up.

The hugely impressive Will Addison got Ulster's second score after 58 minutes to push the score to 14-3. He touched down in the corner after an initial break by Sean Reidy.

John Cooney pushed the lead to 14 points with a penalty with 10 minutes to play.

Ulster's third try came from Jacob Stockdale - the Irishwinger coasting in at the corner after an excellent pass from Stuart McCloskey.Cooney netted the conversion to make it 24-3.

Leicester got their first try with four minutes to go - ManuTuilagi touching down after bouncing off a couple of weak Ulster tackles.

The away side pushed for a late try to take a losing bonuspoint, but it was to no avail.

Next up for Ulster is a difficult trip to Racing 92 nextweekend. The French side won 14-13 away to Welsh side Scarlets in their openinggame.