Handling the ball in the first-half was tricky at a wet Kingspan Stadium but Olding's score and the boot of Paddy Jackson ensured the home side held an 11-3 half-time lead.

Olding touched down in the corner early in the second period and Declan Fitzpatrick crossed late on as the best the Dragons could offer was a couple of penalties from Angus O'Brien, meaning the final whistle blew with the score reading 23-6

The home side put two tough defeats in Europe behind them and have still suffered just one loss in league action but, conversely, the Welshmen sit tenth in GUINNESS PRO12 with just one win to their name.

International call-ups meant both sides made seven changes from last weekend's European losses and it was Ulster who appeared to be gelling better in the early stages of the game.

Almost from the opening kick-off, the home side were camped in the Dragons half but the Welsh defence stood firm with some valiant tackling.

An Ulster knock-on after eight minutes relieved some of the pressure but seven minutes later they came agonisingly close to opening the scoring.

Olding used the slick surface to his advantage as he skidded a low kick over the Dragons try-line for Darren Cave to chase.

The Ireland international looked set to touch down for a simple score only for a covering James Thomas to reach the ball a hair before him and prevent the try.

Jackson finally opened the scoring on 26 minutes with a penalty in front of the posts and doubled the lead two minutes later when another grubber kick led to a second penalty.

And, soon after, Ulster got the decisive score of the first period.

Cave slipped a perfectly-timed pass to an onrushing Olding who used his strength to hold off Dragons defenders and dot down.

Jackson's conversion bounced back off the upright before the boot of O'Brien finally got the Welshmen on the board six minutes before half-time.

The visitors needed to score first in the second half to stay within striking distance but, instead, Olding's second try following Stuart McCloskey's moment of magic increased Ulster's cushion.

The ball was spread wide and McCloskey's basketball-style tip pass helped the ball to the 21-year-old who evaded a desperate covering tackle to dive over in the corner.

However, Jackson once again failed to add the extras before a second O'Brien penalty narrowed the deficit to 16-6.

In the 67th minute, the home side had a glorious opportunity to seal the victory but Ian Humphreys' pass was too far in front of Ricky Andrew to gather when the replacement had the try-line at his mercy.

This ultimately didn't cost them however, as Fitzpatrick barrelled over from close range late on and Humphreys nailed the conversion to put an added sheen on the final scoreline.

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