Pro14: Ulster second in Conference B after 19-12 win

Ulster have moved up to second place in Conference B of the Pro14 following a comfortable 19-12 win over Munster at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday 22 December.

Scores from Rob Herring, Robert Baloucoune and Dave Shanahan helped the home side secure the fourth win in a row.

The last time the interpovincial rivals met, Ulster suffered a record-breaking 57 point defeat at Thomond Park in September.

Within 15 seconds of the opening whistle, Baloucoune was sinbinned following a dangerous tackle on Darren Sweetnam.

The Ulster wing narrowly avoided the red card, receiving a yellow card from official Sean Gallagher.

Ulster's Robert Baloucoune leaves the pitch after receiving a yellow card. Credit: INPHO / Dan Sheridan

A penalty from JJ Hanrahan opened the scoreboard before Ulster returned to a full squad.

24 minutes in though, Ulster suffered another loss as a head injury took Cooney off the pitch, with Shanahan taking over scrum-half duties.

Before the break, Herring scored Ulster's first points of the game with Burns securing the conversion.

Half-Time Score

  • 7 - Ulster

  • 3 - Munster

Ulster's John Cooney goes off injured. Credit: INPHO / Dan Sheridan

As the second half got underway, Munster were next on the scoresheet 50 minutes in with another penalty from Hanrahan.

Coming up to the hour mark, Baloucone made up for his earlier foul with a big try, assisted by Best.

Burns once again stepped up to add the extra points for the home side.

Munster's Bill Johnston kicks a penalty. Credit: INPHO / Dan Sheridan

Out-half Bill Johnston claimed three points back five minutes later but, assisted by Best, Shanahan sneaked in at the corner for another try a short time after.

Another penalty from Johnson helped Munster to salvage a losing bonus point, who now sit second in Conference A on 35 points.

Ulster mascot Sparky celebrates the home win on Friday evening. Credit: INPHO / Billy Stickland

Ulster, meanwhile, move up to second place in Conference B ahead of their post-Christmas clash with Leinster on Friday 28 December.

Full-Time Score

  • 19 - Ulster

  • 12 - Munster