Ulster put recent poor form firmly behind them in the GUINNESS PRO12 as they ended a two-game losing run against Zebre thanks to an all-star showing by fly-half Paddy Jackson and No.8 Nick Williams.

Having lost against Cardiff Blues and Scarlets in their last two encounters; Ulster knew nothing but a win would do if they are to retain their ambitions of claiming an end-of-season play-off place.

The Irish side started like an express train and scored the game’s opening points thanks a long range penalty from Jackson after just four minutes.

Armed with the momentum it got even better for Ulster just four minutes later as Jackson claimed his second penalty of the evening after Zebre flanker Emiliano Caffini was penalised for his second high tackle.

Zebre, who haven’t won since mid-January after their European triumph at Worcester Warriors, and have failed to record a victory outside of Italy in the GUINNESS PRO12 since September 2013, looked visibly shocked by Ulster’s fast start.

The Italians stuttering performance was further punished on ten minutes as giant Ulster No.8 Williams rumbled over from close range, with the ever-reliable Jackson adding the extras.

Rory Scholes was left frustrated on 26 minutes as he saw his try disallowed; the Ulster wing had his score chalked off following an accidental infringement by Ulster centre Luke Marshall in the build-up.

After fluffing opportunities to add to their try-count – Ulster finally notched their second score of the evening; it was more of the same for the No.8 as he powered home from just a metre out despite the attention of three Zebre defenders – again Jackson converted.

Zebre have won just once against Ulster in their last six meetings, but with the score 20-0 after half-an-hour the game was effectively over as a contest, with the Italians seemingly more intent on damage limitation.

Ulster thought they had scored their third try of the evening on 50 minutes, an incisive break by Marshall saw the home side rampage into the Zebre 22, and after a period of sustained pressure Williams rumbled over for his third score of the night but it was chalked off for a knock-on in the build-up.

Zebre grew in stature as the second half progressed, enjoying more possession and territory but with their first sight of the Ulster try line on 60 minutes centre Giulio Bisegni produced a poor pass and the ball went agonizingly into touch.

Ulster did get their third try of the night on 64 minutes; after the powerful Williams had been held up just short of the Zebre line, lock Pete Browne dotted down from close range but Jackson this time failed to add the extras.

Despite going 25-0, Zebre refused to throw in the towel and were unfortunate not to get their first points of the night seven minutes from time as replacement wing Giulio Toniolatti was bundled into touch with the try line gaping.

With three minutes remaining Ulster were finally rewarded with a try bonus point; Paul Marshall scored under the posts after a break from Darren Cave had created the opportunity – Jackson once again added the extras to make the final score 32-0.

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