Sharks outclassed by Irish heavyweights Ulster at Kings Park

Irish club Ulster produced an impressive display to beat the Sharks 31-24 in their URC clash at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

The Sharks took an early 5-0 lead when scrumhalf Grant Williams scored a brilliant individual try in the second minute.

However, Ulster took control soon afterwards with a brace of tries by replacement hooker Stewart Moore. From there, the Irish outfit led for most of the afternoon.

If not flawless, it was an entertaining match with both sides scoring four tries. The Sharks, though, will rue flyhalf Curwin Bosch having an off day with the boot. In contrast, Ulster's scrumhalf John Cooney was sublime with is boot, converting all four of their tries as well as slotting a penalty.

The Cell C @SharksRugby fought well, but @UlsterRugby came through some late pressure to win by 7 in Durban ?? #BKTURC #URC | #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/TQOncgoEil

RECAP | Sharks 24-31 Ulster

Ulster led 17-12 at half-time and came out firing in the second stanza. A try by centre Stewart Moore extended their lead to 24-12 after 43 minutes, before the Sharks hit back with a try by prop Ntuthuko Mchunu in the 51st minute (24-19).

Ulster lock Harry Sheridan barged over in the 56th minute to extend their lead to 31-19. In the 67th minute, fullback Boeta Chamberlain gave the Sharks hope when he rounded off a brilliant team try that started inside their own half.

Bosch missed the conversion which left the Sharks seven points adrift (24-31) heading into the final 10 minutes.

The Sharks had chances to level matters in the final exchanges but some resolute Ulster defence kept them at bay.

After fending off several attacking forays by the Sharks, Ulster finished the game by playing in the right areas of the field, forcing the hosts to run