A European Cup campaign that has, for the most part, bred uncertainty and heartbreak finally delivered a substantial bonus for Ulster at Ravenhill on Saturday. Confronted by a Swansea team expecting to go through the motions to repeat their earlier home victory in the campaign, David Haslett's beleaguered Ulster side instead summoned latent resources of skill and endeavour to carve out a notable victory.

It was a win hewn out of solid foundations up front and cemented by some fine back-line handling and running that yielded four tries. More than anything, this unexpected Ulster win repairs damaged self-esteem and provides a window of opportunity for future progress.

Swansea were certainly not the potent force that they have been of late, but they still managed to haul themselves back into the match in the second half when Ulster were forced to absorb a sustained bout of pressure, before finally clinching a much-needed success. Ulster's application, sense of purpose and overall enterprise were epitomised by key forwards Steve McKinty, Andy Ward and Keith Gallick, who tackled relentlessly throughout.

From as early as the sixth minute, Ulster set out their stall. Jan Cunningham was clearly obstructed by Swansea full back Matthew Back and referee George Hughes awarded the home team a penalty try, which Stuart Laing duly converted.

Swansea lost no time in responding, though. Scott Gibbs created the opening for winger Richard Rees to speed in for the touchdown with Aled Williams converting.

Ulster's ball-winning capacity was temporarily suffocated as Swansea adopted a much tighter approach and the visitors went further ahead when Williams knocked over a penalty with 15 minutes gone. But Ulster's creative flair was not to be stifled for long. With the home pack forcing Swansea to concede ground, the way was cleared for Laing to pierce the Welsh side's cover defence with a clever kick ahead. The ball bounced kindly for the in-rushing Michael Jackson who pounced for a debut try, Laing adding the points to put Ulster 14-10 in front.

A palpable upswing in Ulster's confidence paved the way for a third try shortly before half-time. Second row forward Tony McWhirter employed his height and strength to good effect as he forced his way over the Swansea line. Indiscipline, born of frustration, threatened to undermine Swansea's strategy and Laing atoned for his earlier miss by tucking away the penalty that helped to provide Ulster with their 22-10 interval lead.

Ulster's bountiful possession allowed them to set up base in Swansea territory in the early stages of the second half, yet it was the visitors who struck a telling blow when Rees swept in for a breakaway try.

With Andy Park on for the injured Robin Morrow, victim of an over enthusiastic Swansea tackle, Ulster eased the pressure on themselves when Laing flighted over another penalty.

And the same player enhanced Ulster's security with another penalty as Swansea's concentration lapsed. They still had the resolve and energy, though, to keep Ulster under pressure in the closing stages, but could only manage a Williams try for their efforts as Ulster, for the most part, defended resolutely.