Ulster beats Exeter 29-12 to reach Challenge Cup final

Ulster Rugby advanced to the European Challenge Cup final with a 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in their semifinal clash at Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Saturday.

The Irish province outscored the English Premiership side four tries to two in front of a buoyant home crowd, securing their first European final appearance in 14 years and a chance to end a 20-year wait for silverware. They will face the winner of Sunday's semifinal between Montpellier and Dragons at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on May 22.

The match began with a cagey opening, as both teams traded missed penalties early on. Ulster scrumhalf Nathan Doak's long-range effort drifted wide in the 10th minute, and a potential try by fullback Mike Lowry was disallowed five minutes later following a television match official review for a neckroll infraction in the buildup.

Ulster broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when number eight Juarno Augustus powered over from close range after a quick tap penalty and sustained phases near the line. Exeter responded almost immediately, capitalizing on a sin-bin for Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale, who was penalized for a dangerous tackle on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. Chiefs number eight...