Try-saver.

Ulster got their 2019/20 Champions Cup campaign off to the perfect start this afternoon with a 17-16 away win against Bath at the Rec.

Scrumhalf John Cooney was the star, scoring 12 points from the boot, touching down in the first half, as well as adding two conversions and a vital penalty which won the game.

Rob Lyttle also crossed the whitewash for the Irish visitors, while Gabriel Hamer-Webb hit back with a try on his European debut for the Premiership side.

A crucial Marcell Coetzee turnover looked to have won the game for Ulster in the final minutes, but a crooked lineout from the resulting penalty into touch gifted Bath one more chance.

And they very nearly took it with Zach Mercer finding himself in acres of space with the clock in the red. The number eight tore down the line before attempting to put Semesa Rokoduguni in at the corner only for Jacob Stockdale to come up with a match-winning interception.

Rokoduguni flattened Stockdale earlier in the game with a monster carry and caused the Irishman plenty of trouble out wide. But it was Stockdale got the last laugh with some miraculous defence.

Ulster host French giants Clermont Auvergne next Friday at Kingspan and will be full of confidence after securing what could prove to be a crucial away win in terms of qualification.

An excellent start for the Irish province.