Duncan Weir boots Edinburgh to victory over Ulster

Duncan Weir's last-gasp drop goal secured four vital points for Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 as they won 17-16 at Ulster.

Duncan Weir boots Edinburgh to victory over Ulster

Duncan Weir's last-gasp drop goal secured four vital points for Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 as they won 17-16 at Ulster.

The win means they overtake their hosts in third place in the table.

The Scots now have an edge on the Irish province in the race for the top three play-offs, though both sides are on equal points in the table after Ulster, who slipped to fourth, gained a losing bonus point.

Tries from winger Jason Harries and lock Lewis Carmichael along with two conversions from Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, along with Weir's drop goal, earned the Scots the four points.

All Ulster's points came from John Cooney.

After the sides were tied 7-7 at half-time, the Irish province stretched their lead to 13-7 before the visitors, who dominated the second half, came back to take the game with the last play.

After losing Craig Gilroy after just six minutes, Ulster - playing into the strong breeze - had a try two minutes later when Cooney scored at the posts following good work from Nick Timoney and Louis Ludik, with the scrum-half then converting his own score.

Visiting flanker Viliame Mata then came inches short of scoring in the 29th minute only for a double tackle from Rob Herring and Timoney to knock it from his grasp with Nigel Owens going to the TMO to confirm the ball had been spilt.

But the Scots scored next when Hidalgo-Clyne broke clear from his 22 and chipped for winger Harries to beat Tommy Bowe to the touchdown.

Hidalgo-Clyne converted to tie the scores after 34 minutes, which also saw Ulster's Johnny McPhillips leave the field with a serious-looking arm injury.

The half ended with no further score and the sides locked together at 7-7.

That became 10-7 two minutes after the new half began after a long-range penalty from Cooney.

Cooney kicked a second penalty on 54 minutes to stretch Ulster's lead to 13-7.

But the Scots roared back with lock Carmichael smashing through some tiring Ulster tacklers to score in the 62nd minute with Hidalgo-Clyne's conversion putting them in a one-point lead.

Three minutes later, though, Ulster had the lead again through Cooney's third penalty.

But the home side were unable to then end Edinburgh's almost incessant pressure and prevent Weir's last-gasp drop goal.

PaperTalk Extra League of Ireland Preview podcast: Cork City's siege mentality, Waterford contenders and Liam Miller's legacy

Subscribe to PaperTalk on iTunes or Soundcloud: here.

- PA

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Jake White during the warm-up 23/3/2024 Jake White: 'I'll keep coaching as long as I love it'
Louis Rees-Zammit file photo Louis Rees-Zammit reportedly signs for Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs
Aoife Wafer celebrates after scoring a try with Neve Jones 23/3/2024 Like Ireland's defence, Declan Danaher is bedding in nicely
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited