Ulster came away with a bonus point when they had enough possession to come away with all the spoils in this scrappy affair in a nearly empty Liberty Stadium.

Paul Steinmetz kept Ulster in touch with three first half penalties but in reality it should have been Ulster turning round with a comfortable lead. Ulster paid the price for some pretty uninspiring midfield play in attack and some exceptionally poor tackling in the 10-12 channel. More than once the workmanlike Shaun Connor was waved through the Ulster defence with Scottish journeyman Nikki (with an i ) Walker eventually managing to finish of one of the breaks after 27 minutes.

The rest of the first half was pretty unmemorable except for some appalling lineouts from Shields and the continual photo opportunities for Dergman and the General and the fact that 20 odd Ulster supporters could be heard over above 5,999 Ospreys fans.

In the second half Ulster again suffered at the scintillating pace of Connor (oh my god!) and Walker thinking Christmas had come late went over for another. Ulster swapped out Larkin for Cunningham and things tightened up immediately.

Stephen Ferris finally got fed up with the backs pissing around in midfield and decided to take the direct route to the line and with two Steinmetz penalties and a conversion Ulster were only four points behind and looked to be the team in form. Ulster pressed but Ospreys were always able to clear and put pressure on Ulster lineouts and with Ferris limping off after 78 minutes the fight seemed to go out of the team. Pollock appeared to do well when he came on but by this stage Ulster were fighting to hold on to their bonus point.

Stephen Ferris gets the FRU Man of the Match.

Swansea Swingers!

 

It looks as though Ulster's meager support at the Ospreys game had a good time and a friendly welcome at the Liberty Stadium and beyond.

Elder statesman, The General, was first to pull a lovely bird and Dergman's first attempt was maybe a bit over ambitious despite the lovely flowing locks.

Chief Fruette sneaks off with Gav (it has really split the office trying to decide who is the prettiest) and Freddie peaks way too early (by all accounts) in the Walkabout with a couple of lovely locals.

Finally Dergman decides it's time he sent his class home as they shouldn't really be out that late!