Ulster's Heineken Cup ambitions were dealt a blow when they lost 29-13 away to London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.
An early penalty from David Humphreys put Ulster ahead but the Exiles responded with two quick tries. Former English back Mike Catt first sent a miss-pass to Seilala Mapusua who drew Paddy Wallace, before feeding Juan Leguizamon. The Argentinean back row then broke tackles from Bryn Cunningham and Isaac Boss before crashing over.
There was a hint of luck in Irish's second try with Geraghty chipping ahead and Catt hacking on until a kind bounce allowed him to gather up and fall over the line. Geraghty landed both conversions.
Ulster capitalised on London Irish having two players in the sin-bin, when Paul Steinmetz ran in for a try that was converted by Humphreys.
With 18 minutes to go London Irish out-half Shane Geraghty, who put in a man-of-the-match performance, crossed for a try after cutting between Humphreys and Paddy Wallace. Geraghty, who has still to declare his allegiance to either England or Ireland also kicked three conversions.
Near the end, Ulster kept the ball alive as they tried to get within seven points of the home side. However, it was London Irish winger Sailosi Tagicakibau who crowned off the day with a last minute try to earn a bonus point for the home side.
The Celtic League champions have not reached the Heineken Cup knockout stages since winning the competition in 1999 and now face an uphill battle to progress further this season.
Llanelli's triumph over Toulouse earlier this afternoon has given the Welsh side a seven-point lead at the top of the pool with Toulouse, Ulster and London Irish having considerable ground to make up.
