Connacht’s poor run continues

Date Published: {J}

Dragons 17

Connacht 16

Connacht’s incredible run of close shaves continued on Thursday evening with a heartbreaking one point loss in Newport when a win seemed very much on the cards in the closing stages.

Once again, the composure was lacking as Connacht held possession deep in the Dragons territory late in the match looking for a drop goal to snatch a huge away win and move them up two places in the league standings.

As it turned out, the chance was missed, slow ball from the base meant by the time Frank Murphy passed to Miah Nikora, the Dragons defence was ready to charge and block down the attempted kick. It meant Connacht had to settle for a sixth losing bonus point of a campaign marked by consistent performances but an inability to close out games.

The home side had led at half-time by a point, but in a low-scoring and hugely physical second half Connacht had stood up to the challenge, the tackle count was immense and once again Connacht weren’t found wanting in terms of work rate and commitment.

Brett Wilkinson, Andrew Browne and Mike McCarthy led the way in the pack while in the backline, Fionn Carr seemed to be back to his best, his workrate was a huge asset. Eoin Griffin was the star of the backline as he was instrumental in Connacht’s first half try and looked at ease in the 13 slot.

The first half provided most of the fireworks. Connacht started with purpose but it was the home side who scored first after just three minutes thanks to a counter attack sparked initially by full back Will Harris before the ball was spread wide to Aled Brew who linked brilliantly with Tom Riley taking a return pass and sprinting home.

Jason Tovey’s conversion stretched the lead to seven and his side took heart from that start controlling much of the first quarter but their young out half was wayward with two penalty kicks in that period including one straight in front of the posts.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.