The contrast in emotions.

While Ulster's European journey will continue in some form, Exeter's come to an end.

It's still one win all season in the league and Europe for Rob Baxter's side.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Ian Humphreys
Former Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys on BBC Radio Ulster

Ulster put their foot on the throat and accelerated into the second half. The holes opened up and Ulster were ruthless.

Tommy Seymour
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio Ulster

It's never a bad night when you come out and put 50 points on the board in front of your home crowd. We can talk about where Exeter's struggles have been, but they started well with some really nice rugby. You still have to have the intent to pay rugby, but Ulster really came to the fore.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy, speaking on Premier Sports: "We want to play at the very top because you want to test yourself against the best. The young lads who have played in the Champions Cup, they had never played at this level before.

"They are playing week in, week out because of injuries to other players. There is a lot of very young lads, it's great experience for them and we probably don't expect to get through in the Champions Cup. If we do, we do and we'll move on from there."

Tommy Seymour
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio Ulster

Do we think they are in a position to compete in the top tier of European rugby? No, in truth, and I don't think any Ulster fans think they are. For me, it's about where do you want to take this squad? You want to instil confidence in these young players. The Challenge Cup is still a premier competition and there are a lot of high-flying teams. They need more results like tonight and more second halves like tonight?.

Image source, BBC Sport

Here's the state of play after Ulster's final Pool A match.

The points difference between Ulster and Sharks now stands at 28.

Their European journey will continue - but they have to wait to see what competition it will be in.

Ian Humphreys
Former Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys on BBC Radio Ulster

You can hear the buzz with the crowd leaving and in the second half. So much of sport is psychological, and to see Ulster put 50 points on somebody - that's a huge lift. They are going to be bouncing heading into training on Monday.

Tommy Seymour
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio Ulster

That was a really entertaining second half. We saw this as an opportunity for Ulster to bring some confidence back int the squad. They really grew into the game and there was a plethora of tries. Exeter couldn't' really do anything to stop it.

Ulster prop Scott Wilson, speaking to Premier Sports: "It's more about the team's performance. It's probably exactly what we needed, it's been a tough period. We've had a tough run of games but this team needed this game to get back in the swing of things.

"They got a couple of breakaway tries. We knew if we kept going we could break them down and that's what the boys did. I'm just glad we are getting some more knockout rugby. European rugby is the top rugby in the world at club level, so it's nice to keep this going.

On Cormac Izuchukwu's hat-trick: "Izzy is class. He's a different animal and deserves everything he's done."

Ulster coach Dan Soper, speaking to BBC Radio Ulster: "That was an excellent second half. We dominated the territory. The backs put us in the right place and the forwards got the job done, so it was very pleasing.

On the slow start: "You're always worried. I was worried in the 78th minute. We knew that Exeter were going to come with a lot of line speed and they started really hot, didn't they? A couple of errors of our own created some chances for them. It was 12-0 and we hadn't really started and fired a shot yet. We knew if we could get our game going in the right areas we could get a foothold to get into the game."

It's still a big if, but Ulster will be kicking themselves if that late score is the difference between progression in the Champions Cup and dropping into the Challenge Cup.

All eyes will be on the Sharks' game with Bordeaux on Sunday.

Image source, Inpho

Job done for Ulster. Now they wait to find out their European fate.

Exeter's campaign is over.

We're into the final minute.

That's a great kick and Murphy gets it 10 metres out.

Is there one last flourish for Ulster?

Jack Murphy wins a penalty after being caught high by Max Norey.

This is bound to go into the corner.

Ulster are looking for more and are back in the Exeter half.

There are some tired legs in defence with five minutes to play.