Neil Doak inspired Ulster to inflict a 26-17 defeat on Munster at Ravenhill and keep their own hopes alive of qualifying for the Celtic League quarter-finals.

The scrum-half accounted for all side's points, crossing for two tries, which he converted and also kicking four penalties in a man of the match display.

Ulster were full value for their win for they dominated up front and kept the visitors on the back foot for most of the game.

Munster led by 17-16 at the break but it was all one-way traffic on the resumption as Ulster finally turned territory and possession into scores.

The turning point came after 64 minutes, when Doak timed his angled run brilliantly to race in inside the Munster 22 and score his second try in the left corner. He converted brilliantly from the touchline to make it 23-16.

Then with three minutes of regular time remaining Doak rounded off a memorable night with a penalty after Munster were penalised for back chat.

Ulster got the ideal start with Doak kicking his first penalty inside the opening two minutes only for Jeremy Staunton to level with a long drop goal a few minutes later.

Munster jumped in front with Mossie Lawlor's third try of the competition after nine minutes.

Eddie Halvey poached a line-out on half-way and Killian Keane's Garryowen caused havoc in the home defence. The ball bounced kindly for Jason Holland who put Lawlor in at the left corner. Staunton missed the conversion and Munster led 8-3.

Staunton increased his side's lead with a penalty before Doak replied with his second and then Holland made it 14-6 with a neat drop goal in an incident which led to a yellow card for Ulster number eight Tony McWhiter.

Ulster finished the half on a high, however, Doak landing his third penalty and then squeezing over for an injury-time try, which he also converted.

Inbetween Staunton kicked his second penalty to leave Munster clinging to a 17-16 interval lead.

That was as good as it got for them however as Ulster took charge after the break.