Connacht struggle in Belfast continues as Ulster register 23-7 win

Ulster 23-7 Connacht, Belfast

Connacht are yet to register a victory in Belfast for 56 years as Ulster completed a 23-7 victory in their Pro 12 encounter on Friday.

Even though, fly-half Jack Carty made a brief comeback for Connacht in the second half, their performance in the first half let the team down. The win has taken Ulster to fourth position while Connacht find themselves at eighth.

Centre Stuart McCloskey made a memorable start to his 50th game with a 26th minute try while Ireland international Paddy Jackson added two penalties and a conversion to take Ulster to 13-0 lead at half-time.

Flanker Clive Ross extended Ulster's dominance into the second half when he crossed over in the 52nd minute while Jackson added the extras to stretch the lead to 20 points.

Even though Carty responded with a converted try of his own to reduce the gap to 13 points, Jackson scored his third penalty in the 67th minute to complete a 16-point victory for Ulster.

Round 12 of Pro 12 will see Connacht take on Munster Rugby while Ulster will be seen in an an away game against Leinster with both games scheduled to be played on 31st December.