Ulster dig out Aironi victory

Ulster kept their Magners League play-off hopes alive with their third win in a row -- but they were made to fight hard by a spirited Aironi side that managed to deny the hosts a bonus point in their 23-10 win.

Ulster, with Ruan Pienaar at out-half for the injured Ian Humphreys, made several errors after streaking to an early 15-0 lead against the winless Italians.

Tries from Tom Court and Craig Gilroy inside seven minutes helped Ulster to a 15-10 half-time lead before a late score from replacement Declan Fitzpatrick, plus a Pienaar penalty sealed the win in the second half, which also saw skipper Johann Mueller yellow carded.