RUGBY UNION: WASPS started their pre-season schedule with an encouraging victory against Challenge Cup pool opponents Ulster.
Dai Young’s men came from behind twice to end up comfortable winners, scoring four tries to Ulster’s two.
The home side made a bright start though it was Wasps that took the lead after 11 minutes when a move down the right saw Craig Hampson go over for a try near the posts.
Brett Herron converted a penalty for Ulster to reduce the deficit to four points, and moments later Pete Browne crossed over the line to hand Ulster a one point lead with 12 minutes of the opening half left.
Wasps regained the lead a minute before half time when a well-controlled lineout drive ended with Simon McIntyre going over for a try near the left corner.
Danny Cipriani landed the conversion, to give Wasps a 14-8 halftime lead.
Ulster were back in front after three minutes of the second half when No.8 Nick Timoney charged through the middle to send Callum Patterson over by the posts.
Pete Nelson’s conversion gave the home side a 15-14 lead.
Slippery conditions prevented Gaby Lovombavalu from adding a third Wasps try as the rain eventually stopped during the second half.
All was not lost for Wasps though as Owain James fed fed Lovobalavu, who launched a thrilling counterattack, which ended with Josh Bassett going over near the left corner.
Danny Cipriani then put the game beyond doubt as Wasps opened up an 11 point lead with the in the final 20 minutes.
Although Ulster spent most of the last ten minutes camped in Wasps’ half, they were unable to break down the defence as a knock-on ended the evening.
