Last gasp try sees Ulster edge reigning URC champs Glasgow

A dramatic late try with the clock well in the red from David Shanahan ensured that Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship season with a 20-19 win over champions Glasgow Warriors.

The Irish province came from behind to take the four points with earlier tries from Aidan Morgan and David McCann getting them over the line.

Glasgow took the lead after six minutes when a driving maul off a lineout saw hooker Johnny Matthews touch down, but Tom Jordan could not convert.

Ulster hit back after 16 minutes when Nathan Doak slotted over a penalty and then two minutes later a charge down by Morgan on Jordan led to a scramble up-field and ultimately a try for the Ulster man.

Doak converted and Ulster led 10-5.

Henco Venter went over for Glasgow’s second try after 25 minutes, with Jordan’s conversion giving the champions a two-point lead.

Eight minutes into the second half, Rory Darge went over in the corner for the Warriors but the try was ruled out by the TMO for a forward pass.

Then just before the 60-minute mark, Jordan was yellow-carded for head contact on Stewart Moore.

Jude Postlethwaite then had what looked to be a try ruled out, but Ulster kept the pressure on and with Richie Gray sin-binned – briefly reducing the visitors to 13 – James McNabney was held up over the line.

Ulster kept up the pressure and McCann scored after 72 minutes, though Morgan was unable to convert.

Ulster had the lead for just two minutes as Glasgow skipper Kyle Steyn scored in the corner, Adam Hastings adding a great conversion to put the Scots ahead 19-15 with six minutes remaining.

But Ulster would not lie down and with the clock well in to overtime, Shanahan wriggled over from close range and even though Morgan missed the extras it did not matter.