Lions banish western blues

CONNACHT coach Eric Elwood was left to reflect on what might have been at the Sportsground on Saturday night after his side threw away what could ultimately prove a crucial Magners League point in the final minutes of their 18-6 defeat by Leinster.

Elwood knows that Connacht do not need to beat teams of Leinster’s calibre to reach their Holy Grail of the Heineken Cup through the league, but he is also aware that when you have a bonus point in the bag, you protect it jealously.

Instead, his team went in search of victory at 11-6 down with 81 minutes on the clock. No doubt imbued with the confidence of having seen hooker Sean Cronin make a magnificent but unavailing bid a few moments later, scrum-half Frank Murphy attempted to mount a counterattack 40 metres from his own line. However, Leinster substitute Dominic Ryan nipped in to intercept the pass and duly romped home unopposed for a converted try at the posts.