Ulster edge out Scarlets 24-25 to boost play-off chances

Scarlets 24-25 Ulster, Parc y Scarlets
Scorecard

Ulster kept their hopes of Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals alive as they edged out Scarlets 24-25 at Parc y Scarlets on Friday.

The bonus point win has taken Ulster to the second position in Pool 4 with Scarlets languishing at the bottom with three straight defeats.

The opening five minutes saw Rhys Patchell and John Cooney traded penalties following which Ireland international Jacob Stockdale powered to a ninth minute try as the visitors had a 3-8 lead.

Scrum-half Gareth Davies was instrumental in setting winger Steff Evans for his opening try in the 26th minute and Patchell improved it before Henry Speight with a touchdown in the 34th minute as the teams headed into the break with a 10-13 scoreline.

The Irish side extended their momentum in the second half as well with Will Addison crossing over in the 50th minute followed by Cooney's conversion but their efforts were negated when Evans went over the line for the second time by the end of the third quarter.

Ulster went on to achieve their try-scoring bonus with Marcell Coetzee's try in the 65th minute and they maintained their eight point lead until the final minute when Dan Davis crashed over the line that was improved by Dan Jones only for Scarlets to lose the game by one point.