Ulster trounce Harlequins 52-24 to boost their chances of making to play-off

Ulster 52-24 Harlequins, Kingspan Stadium
Scorecard

Ulster ran a six-try riot as they boosted their chances of making into the play-offs of the European Champions Cup with a 52-24 victory over Harlequins at Kingspan Stadium on Friday.

John Cooney gave a promising start to Ulster with back to back penalties in the first 10 minutes but Harlequins' response came through Marcus Smith when he crossed over in the 13th minute to bring down the gap to one minute.

Ulster responded three minutes later when Stuart McCloskey crossed after hacking on from a Christian Leali'ifano kick over the top. Cooney added a magnificent conversion from the touchline and Ulster led 13-5 but the gap once came down to one point following a touchdown Charlie Walker in the 29th minute that was converted by Smith.

However, Cooney ensured a four point lead for Ulster with a penalty at the stroke of half time.

Craig Gilroy and Charles Piutau further extended Ulster's advantage at the start of the second half with tries in the 43rd and 55th minutes respectively while Cooney slotted the conversion and a penalty to stretch the lead to 19 points.

Again, though, Quins came back with Ross Chisholm's 58th minute try which went unconverted - but then Kyle Sinckler's yellow card on the hour mark saw the home side score immediately off lock O'Connor, who bagged the bonus point. Cooney's conversion stretched Ulster's lead to 38-17.

Quins then got their bonus try from skipper Dave Ward, with Smith adding the conversion but a converted try from Cooney followed by another touchdown from Andrew Trimble ensured a 28 point victory for the Irish regional side.