Lions on song to subdue Ulster

By SAM JACKSON

Lions …………….35

Ulster…………….22

THE Lions grabbed a bonus point win to kick off their season in front of an almost empty Ellis Park.

The hosts dominated the first half, but led only 15-7 at the break, before a back and forth second half ended with the Lions finishing with a flourish and Ulster claiming a four-try bonus point.

The Lions took the lead in the 11th minute when No.8 Francke Horn broke down the short side from a lineout maul and fed winger Rabz Maxwane to score in the corner.

Fly-half Kade Wolhuter’s touchline conversion hit the post but four minutes later he was successful with an easy penalty from in front.

Ulster’s defence held firm until the 35th minute, with the Lions kicking a penalty to the corner, setting up the maul and rumbling over for Francke Horn to dot down. John Cooney dived over for Ulster but missed the conversion.

Aidan Morgan got Ulster’s second after the restart but Lions quickly scored twice through their replacements, hooker Franco Marais and wing Henco van Wyk.

Wolhunter extended the lead to 30-10 with a penalty only for Ulster to hit back with a sucker punch. The Lions lost possession while attacking in the 22 and Ulster hacked the ball ahead for wing Werner Kok to chase and score. Ulster scored a late consolation from replacement prop Corrie Barrett before Wolhuter stepped his way through to score in the final minute.