Ruthless Montpellier end Ulster's Challenge Cup dream

Ruthless Montpellier end Ulster's Challenge Cup dreamImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ulster had no answer to Montpellier's ruthless streak in their 22ByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI Journalist at the San Mames Stadium, BilbaoPublished1 minute agoMontpellier (26) 59Tries: N'Gandebe, Taofifenua 2, Vunipola, Becognee, Nouchi, Erdocio, Hounkpatin, Vincent Cons: Miotti 5, Coly 2 Pens:Ulster (12) 26Tries: Timoney, Izuchukwu, Baloucoune, Lowry Cons: Doak 2,Flannery Pens:A ruthless Montpellier ended Ulster's hopes of winning a first trophy in 20 years with a 59-26 victory in the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao. Captain Nick Timoney got Ulster off to the perfect start but Gabriel N'Gandebe and Donovan Taofifenua capitalised on errors to give Montpellier the lead.Cormac Izuchukwu's try got Ulster back within touching distance but skipper Billy Vunipola and Alex Becognee gave the French side a 26-12 lead at the break.In clinical fashion, Montpellier put the game beyond Ulster nine minutes into the second half. First, Taofifenua's superb finish in the corner extended Montpellier's lead six minutes after the restart, and Lenni Nouchi powered over to put one hand on the trophy.The returning Robert Baloucoune scored a superb try for brief respite, but Baptiste Erdocio and Wilfrid Hounkpatin responded in brutal fashion to end any faint hopes of a comeback.Michael Lowry got a consolation score, but Montpellier were left to celebrate as they lifted the Challenge Cup for the third time as Arthur Vincent put the icing on the cake.Not only do Ulster miss out on silverware, but they also miss out on qualification for the Champions Cup next season.It brings the season to a close for Murphy's side as they failed to make the United Rugby Championship play-offs in a gutting eight days for the Irish province.Montpellier nullify Ulster's fast startIn sweltering heat of 33 degrees at kick-off in Bilbao, Ulster settled well and made a strong start...