You have to feel sorry for the newspaper deadline writers who were put through their paces towards the end of Ulster’s last-gasp victory over Exeter on Saturday night.
The poor lads and lasses huddled up in the press area at the Kingspan Stadium were forced to change the crux of their articles on several occasions throughout an unfathomably dramatic finish in Belfast.
But this is the internet… And we have no deadlines.
So were able to just sit back and drink in every drop of the stirring spectacle that was being played out.
The final five minutes of action in the Champions Cup clash essentially turned into a drop goal shootout between Ulstermen Gareth Steenson and Paddy Jackson.
.@steeno10 drop goal ✅
@paddyjackson10 drop goal ✅@steeno10 drop goal ❌It was a dramatic finale at the Kingspan! https://t.co/nudpQb5Iyz
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 22, 2016
With Ulster leading by a single point on an emotional day for Irish rugby, Steenson appeared to have given Exeter the win in the 77th minute with a drop goal from the pocket which put his side’s nose in front.
But Jackson refused to let his head drop and he too found himself well within kicking range a mere 90 seconds later.
The Ulster outhalf made no mistake and sent the home crowd into rapturous celebrations because surely there was not another twist in this already serpentine climax.
But there so nearly was as Steenson popped up in familiar territory and let fly with the third drop at goal in as many minutes.
This one crept wide and Jackson will have allowed himself a sigh of relief that he didn’t have to try to outdo his opposite number yet again.
What a crazy five minutes! What a win! What a day for Irish rugby!
In the latest GAA Hour, we talk to Ken McGrath of Waterford and with Declan Brennan about a new club players’ association.
