Andrew Trimble set Ulster on their way to a 24-17 bonus-point victory over Cardiff Blues as they extended their unbeaten league run at the Kingspan Stadium to 14 games, equalling the club record. Their last home defeat came way back in May 2014 but contrastingly, the Blues have now completed a clean sweep of away losses to the Irish provinces in the last four GUINNESS PRO12 rounds. Trimble and scrum-half Paul Marshall both crossed the whitewash as Ulster established a narrow 12-9 half-time lead and fly-half Ian Humphreys passed the 500-point barrier in the GUINNESS PRO12. Nick Williams and Stuart McCloskey secured the four-try bonus point shortly after the break but despite just one victory to their name this term, the Blues don’t go down without a fight. Josh Navidi and a Rhys Patchell penalty brought them within seven points but the Ulstermen held on to equal the unbeaten home record they set over a decade ago. Ulster have suffered from conceding too many penalties so far this term and a scrum infringement enabled Patchell to give the Blues an early 3-0 lead. That spurred the hosts into attacking action and as opposed to the consistently slow ball they delivered to their backs in last week’s 16-10 loss to Edinburgh, there was a concerted effort to spread the ball quickly. However, yet more indiscipline at the breakdown initially cost them the chance of points although their endeavour was rewarded with the game’s first try on 18 minutes. A number of phases eventually saw the ball worked to full-back Louis Ludik who shipped it wide to Trimble to dive over for his 43rd league try but Humphreys’ touchline conversion attempt fell just short. Another Ulster infringement enabled Patchell to restore the Blues’ lead soon after but with Ludik making ground on every carry, the hosts looked more likely to create scoring opportunities. Sean Reidy’s illegal attempted turnover cost Ulster another three points five minutes before the break but the Irishmen went into the dressing room with the momentum and a 12-9 lead when Blues No.8 Josh Turnbull was sin-binned for catching Marshall with a boot to the face at the breakdown. The scrum-half shook off any ill-effects as two phases later he dived over from close-range as the clock seeped into red – Humphreys slotting the conversion to bring his personal GUINNESS PRO12 tally to 500 points. And Ulster made the most of their man advantage after the break as No.8 Williams marshalled a rolling maul over the line for the score. Turnbull’s return did little to stem the home momentum as McCloskey wrapped up the four-try bonus point in the 49th minute – showing his considerable power to charge through a tackle for the score. The Blues had their backs against the wall at 24-9 down but a yellow card for UIster prop Wiehahn Herbst gave them renewed hope with 25 minutes left and Navidi spun off the back of a ruck before stretching out to dot down in the corner, narrowing the deficit to ten points. Cardiff’s most recent GUINNESS PRO12 victory outside of Wales came against Zebre in the opening round last term but a Patchell penalty brought them within one score. Aled Summerhill was then yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Craig Gilroy and although the Welshmen piled on some late pressure regardless, the Ulster defence held firm to record a third win in five this season. To buy tickets for the GUINNESS PRO12 Grand Final click here. Also follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12.
