The Irish province got off a good start and edged ahead when the hosts were penalised for not rolling away, allowing Heineken Man of the Match Cooney to slot over his first three-pointer.

It would take until the 34th minute before the scoreboard was troubled again. It was Harlequins who levelled the scores, with James Lang kicking a simple penalty kick after penalty advantage was being played by Alexandre Ruiz.

Ulster then grabbed what was a crucial opening try just before the interval.

It came through Billy Burns who straightened up from inside his own half, releasing Jacob Stockdale who sprinted clear before another hand off to Matt Faddes. He found in-form Cooney who was tackled but did just enough to get over the line, before stepping up and converting his try.

A superb length of the field try from @UlsterRugby…

AND a try in every round so far for @JCooney09! 🙌#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/f1FP74ntZW

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 13, 2019

The visitors were a different animal in the second period, scoring a try in the 46th minute when a lovely kick in behind by Stuart McCloskey released Luke Marshall near the posts and he collected, got back to his feet and powered over the line.

On the hour mark, Cooney spotted a sloppy play at the breakdown from Harlequins inside their own 22 and he kicked away, collected his tap before bobbing and weaving past two Quins defenders and cutting back to score at the posts in breathtaking fashion.

Stephen Lewies responded for the hosts but it was Ulster who had the last laugh, scoring two tries in the final four minutes through Matt Faddes and Tom O’Toole, bringing up what could turn out to be a vital try bonus point.

Next up for Ulster will be a critical Round 5 clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel Michelin while Harlequins will host Bath Rugby.