Three second-half tries saw Ulster stretch their lead at the top of the Magners League table to four points.

Two tries came from replacement Tommy Bowe, but Ulster had to wait until Neil Best’s late try to get the breathing space they needed to overcome a determined Connacht.

The second half was certainly more memorable than a ponderous first 40 minutes which had ended three-all.

Bowe – who had come on at the break – scored within the first 10 minutes of the second half. And though John Fogarty replied in kind to tie the scores once more Ulster turned the screw in the final quarter.

Bowe broke two tackles on the way to his second try and this was followed five minutes from time by Best.