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Rugby Union

Ulster clinch maiden win of season

03/10/2008

Ulster have climbed off the bottom of the Magners League after a 13-9 win over Edinburgh at Ravenhil.

The Irish side ended their run of four straight defeats thanks to a try from David Pollock and a conversion and two penalties from Clinton Schifcofske.

Magners move up to ninth with their first win of the season, while the Warriors remain in eighth spot after five matches.

Ulster coach Matt Williams made eight changes with Tom Court, Ed O'Donoghue, Stephen Ferris and Paul Steinmetz promoted from the bench, while Rory Best and David Pollock both returned from injury.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh handed a Celtic league debut to Jim Thompson in place of the injured Chris Paterson while John Houston, David Blair, and Andrew Kelly also started.

In a tight first-half, Ulster led 7-0 at the break thanks to Pollock crashing over for the game's only try.

Edinburgh fought back to level after David Blair slotted over two penalties. But two penalties from Schifcofske gave Ulster a seven-point lead going into the closing stages.

And despite a penalty from stand-off Phil Godman to reduce the Warriors' deficit, Ulster held on for a crucial victory.

Next up for Ulster is a clash with Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup next Saturday while Edinburgh face Leinster at home.