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Lowry Lands Crucial Blow For Ulster Against Cardiff

Young full-back Michael Lowry runs in Ulster's only try during their fourth round encounter with Cardiff Blues in Newport ©INPHO/Rogan Thompson

Michael Lowry’s slickly-taken try on the stroke of half-time guided Ulster to a hard-earned 11-7 win over Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade tonight.

John Cooney, the player-of-the-match and scorer of two penalties, also had a pivotal role as Dan McFarland’s men made it four victories on the trot in Conference A.

Cooney split the posts in the 64th minute for the second half’s only score, with a robust defensive effort by the province summed up by Stuart McCloskey’s try-saving tackle on Hallam Amos with 10 minutes left.

Giving his reaction afterwards, Ulster head coach McFarland said: “Cardiff had been playing well, they are a tough team and I’m really pleased with the result.

“I knew if it came down to persistence and grind we weren’t going to be lacking in that area. We could have made it easier for ourselves in terms of the way we played and game management.

“Particularly at points in the second half where we had some really good play then didn’t manage to make that pay be putting the ball down into their 22 – we can definitely be better there.

“We can be better and a little more ruthless in our play in the opposition 22 and it seemed like we spent an eternity on their line but I take a lot of positives from that.

“Before half-time we managed to hang on to the ball and persist, and in the end it was a little bit of broken-up play with us going backwards with Michael Lowry adapting and it was a great bit of persistence.

“The time was ticking away and from having plenty of time to score the try, we were then down to a scrum with a minute to go.”

Billy Burns, who had a successful return from injury, averted some early danger when he raced back to deny Lewis Jones after the Cardiff scrum half had hacked on twice.

The swirling wind and rain made it a tricky night for throwers and kickers, and a crooked lineout spoiled a gilt-edged opportunity for Ulster having gone for the corner.

The visitors’ dominance of territory led to a deadlock-breaking 16th-minute penalty from Cooney, which took the Ireland scrum half through the 500-point barrier in the Guinness PRO14.

But the Blues conjured up a fine try early in the second quarter. Will Boyde used quick lineout ball to surge through midfield, and Jarrod Evans’ expertly-judged chip kick bounced up sweetly for Rey Lee-Lo to touch down.

Evans converted for a 7-3 scoreline, yet it was Ulster who went on to boss the closing stages of the first half. The hosts coughed up a series of penalties with Ulster opting for close-in scrums.

From one such five-metre set piece, Cooney attacked off the base and Cardiff replacement Olly Robinson failed to release after the tackle, earning 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

The Ulster forwards were unable to force their way over, but up stepped Lowry, tidying up a loose pass and showing great pace to beat two defenders and cross the whitewash despite Kristian Dacey’s despairing tackle.

Only a point separated the sides at the interval, though, as Cooney slid his conversion wide. Cardiff also missed a chance to retake the lead, five minutes into the second period, as Evans was off target from a straightforward penalty.

There were scoring chances inside both 22s, replacement Sean Reidy’s breakdown poach thwarting the Blues, and then Lowry could not hold onto a pass as Ulster searched for a second try.

There was a lengthy stoppage for a head injury to Cardiff try scorer Lee-Lo. He was injured when tackling Luke Marshall who made a welcome return off the Ulster bench.

Into the final quarter, Cooney arrowed over a penalty into the wind to move Ulster four points clear. His leadership and tactical play grew increasingly influential down the final stretch.

A word too for Louis Ludik’s injury replacement Ethan McIlroy, who impressed under the high ball. Ulster’s solid defence ensured that they maintained their 100% start to the new season.