Paddy Jackson's impeccable place kicking helped ensure Ulster ran out comfortable 23-7 winners over champions Connacht in the Guinness PRO12 championship this evening.
Jackson nailed three penalties and two conversions to see the Irish province go into their clash with Leinster on New Year's Eve in the best possible position.
Stuart McCloskey and Clive Ross crossed for the home side on Friday evening, with Jack Carty the only scorer for the visitors.
Ulster ran in 13 unanswered points in the first half and looked much the better side for large parts of the evening. Only handling errors at crucial times during the opening 40 minutes stopped them from inflicting more damage on Pat Lam's side.
A festive Ulster fan before kick-off
Paddy Jackson tackles Danie Poolman
Chris Henry and Stuart McCloskey take down Danie Poolman
Golfer Rory McIlroy in attendance at tonight's game
Paddy Jackson kicked three penalties and two conversions this evening at Kingspan Stadium
Stuart McCloskey touches down for the game's first try
Connacht's Kieran Marmion with Chris Henry and Iain Henderson of Ulster
Jack Carty breaks the line to score Connacht's only try of the game
Charles Piutau was one of Ulster's top performers this evening
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