It would be a 13th defeat in 16 games for the Welsh region as Stuart McClosky, Nick Timoney, David McCann and Ireland winger Jacob Stockdale all would go over, whilst for Scarlets Carwyn Tuipulotu and Tomi Lewis would reduce the home sides arrears but it would be another uncomfortable afternoon for Dwayne Peels side.
In a scrappy first half the home side would dominate the opening period and go into the break 6-3 ahead through a brace of kicks from Wales fly-half Sam Costelow, with John Conney responding for the visitors.
The first 40 would suffer though through a lack of accuracy from both sides as several opportunities would be spurned. Ulster coming the closest to threatening the try line seeing lock Cormac Izuchukwu denied by stubborn defending from the hosts.
It would be the Scarlets ill-discipline, however, which would be the decisive factor in the match. First Taine Plumtree would be sent to the bin for cynically knocking the ball out of impressive scrum-half Cooney’s hands and then on the stroke of half time the home side would be reduced to 13. Cooney’s opposite number Gareth Davies carded for an out of character but costly trip.
Two men down it was always going to be an imposing challenge for a Scarlets side low on confidence and with Ulster rejuvenated from the break the Irish province immediately scored the games first try.
Centre McClosky scything through the Scarlets defense after a misfiring lineout had let the visitors in.
A decisive second try then was imposed with the numbers game catching up with Peel’s side. Number eight Timoney picking up the ball at the base of a faltering scrum before riding two tackles to power over.
The game was then effectively over minutes later with flanker McCann’s patient score from after a period of pressure.
Next though in a frantic period of play came the hosts brightest spell. The Scarlets would fight to the end and would get themselves onto the scoresheet with Tuipulotu finishing a neat move from close-range.
Joy would only be short-lived for the home faithful as Ulster would bounce back immediately to secure a vital bonus point. Stockdale would be the beneficiary of a swift counter attack to sprint over in the corner.
There would be one more twist with speedster Tomi Lewis converting Ioan Lloyd’s incisive break for the Scarlets. It would though be not enough and another day for Scarlets fans to forget as the region finished their home campaign with a loss.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel:
“We were disappointed with the result in the end. We started the game well and had some momentum and probably left a few points out there.
“We gave away some cheap penalties and when we are down to 13 men it is always difficult. That period hurt us, although we managed to get back into it.”
Scarlets XV:
Ioan Nicholas; Tomi Lewis, Johnny Williams, Eddie James, Ryan Conbeer; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias (captain), Harri O’Connor, Morgan Jones, Jac Price, Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis, Carwyn Tuipulotu.
Replacements:
Shaun Evans, Wyn Jones, Sam Wainwright, Ben Williams, Jarrod Taylor, Kieran Hardy, Ioan Lloyd, Scott Williams.
[Lead image: Ulster Rugby]
Only way scarlets will win again is to get rid of Peel great player but a crap manager