Humphreys the star again for Ulster
September 15, 2001

David Humphreys' outstanding display ensured Pontypridd's Pool A Celtic League fixtures ended with a 29-20 defeat.

As well as scoring 14 points with his accurate kicking, the Ulster fly-half shone in both attack and defence.

In a keenly contested first half, Ulster went into the lead after five minutes with a 22-metre penalty from Humphreys.

The visitors continued on the offensive and after much pressure Humphreys increased the lead with a second goal.

Minutes later he completed his hat-trick with an easy kick from in front of the posts.

In the 23rd minute fly-half Ceri Sweeney cut the deficit for Ponty with a 38-metre goal.

But Ulster continued to have the upper hand, Humphreys frequently pushing his side up field with fine tactical kicking.

From a scrum near the Ponty line, prop Simon Best crashed over for a well worked try.

And near the interval Sweeney, after Ponty pressure, reduced the gap with two further penalties to produce a 14-9 scoreline in Ulster's favour.

On the restart Sweeney slotted over his fourth penalty to put his side back in contention.

However, within minutes Humphreys responded for Ulster with a 36-metre drop goal.

Battling Ponty returned on the offensive. Sweeney added his fifth penalty and Ponty followed this with a fine try from skipper Dale McIntosh after the charge up-field by the forwards which put them in the lead for the first time.

In the last quarter Ulster went on the attack again and a defensive error let in Ryan Constable converted by Humphreys after a neat handling move.

They quickly added another touchdown through Mark Blair to take the verdict.

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