Ruthless Montpellier end Ulster's Challenge Cup dream
Ruthless Montpellier ended Ulster's hopes of winning a first trophy in 20 years with a 59-26 victory in the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao. Captain Nick Timoney got Ulster off to the perfect start, but Gabriel N'Gandebe and Donovan Taofifenua soon capitalised on errors to give Montpellier the lead. Cormac Izuchukwu's try got Ulster back within touching distance, but skipper Billy Vunipola and Alex Becognee gave the French side a 26-12 lead at the break.
In clinical fashion, Montpellier put the game beyond Ulster nine minutes into the second half. First, Taofifenua's superb finish in the corner extended Montpellier's lead, and Lenni Nouchi then powered over as the French side put one hand on the trophy. The returning Robert Baloucoune scored a superb try for brief respite, but Baptiste Erdocio and Wilfrid Hounkpatin responded in brutal fashion to end any faint hopes of a comeback.
Michael Lowry got a consolation score, but Montpellier were left to celebrate as they lifted the Challenge Cup for a third time as Arthur Vincent put icing on the cake. Not only do Ulster miss out on silverware, but they also miss out on qualification for the Champions Cup next season. It brings the season to a close for Richie Murphy's side as they failed to make the United Rugby Championship play-offs in a gutting eight days for the Irish province.
In sweltering heat of 33 degrees at kick-off in Bilbao, Ulster settled well and made a strong start when Nathan Doak's kick wasn't gathered and Juarno Augustus charged into the 22. Ulster worked through the phases and, with their second penalty advantage, captain Timoney took a quick penalty and flew over the line in the second minute, with Doak adding the extras. Montpellier hit straight back with their first attack of the game.
Zac Ward missed a tackle and that opened the space for the French side to rattle forward as Auguste Cadot found N'Gandebe who raced over, and Domingo Miotti levelled the game from the tee. In a frantic start, Ulster thought they got over again when Harry Sheridan went for the line but, in the humid conditions, he lost the ball forward when being tackled as he tried to ground. Another Ulster mistake in the 15th minute flipped the game on its head.