Ulster Rugby : Narrow Defeat For Ulster In Paris

Heineken Cup

Narrow Defeat For Ulster In Paris

24 January 2004, 12:00 pm

By Sotic Administrator A

Ulster fell to a 13-10 defeat in Paris against Stade Français in their fifth Heineken Cup Pool Match.Despite a brave defensive perfomance from Ulster, they were unable to hold on to their half-time lead and were defeated 13-10. Ulster opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the match, when Humphreys intercepted a Stade Francais pass, and ran in under the post for a try. He duly converted the try, giving Ulster a 7-0 lead. However, Stade immediately levelled the scores with a try from the forwards, which was converted by Dominguez to bring the scores level at 7-7. Stade were reduced to 14 men after 20 minutes when Marchois was show the yellow card. Ulster regained the lead on the half hour with a penalty from David Humphreys. Ulster were reduced to 15 men minutes later when Captain Andy Ward was shown the yellow card by the referee, but managed to hang on to their lead. Half time score: Stade Français 7-10 Ulster.Fifteen minutes into the second half, Stade Français drew level with a pentaly from Diego Dominguez, who added another 10 minutes later to give the home team a 13-10 lead. Ulster had the chance to level the scores with a penalty kick, but Humphreys' kick was not successful. Stade Français then missed penalty and drop goal attempts to extend their lead. The home side then crossed the try line, but the referee did not award the try. Despite Ulster ending the match trying to break down the Stade Francais defence, their attempts were not succesful, and the final whistle gave the home side victory and the 4 points. Ulster take a bonus point away from the match having kept their defeat to within 7 points. Final Score: Stade Français 13-10 Ulster