Brave Connacht still fighting after narrow loss

Connacht 30 Pontypridd 35

Connacht sent out a message loud and clear to the IRFU that they are not going to go quietly with the biggest crowd ever to witness them play being treated to an eight-try thriller.

At the end of it Pontypridd take a five point advantage into the second leg at Sardis Road next Saturday following this Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg that was packed full of vintage rugby at Ericsson Park in Athlone.

Connacht led 17-13 at the end of a rousing opening half in front of a full house of over 6,000, with Eric Elwood giving them the perfect start with a penalty after just a minute.

Ponty hit back and on 17 minutes got in for the opening try which was scored by Emyr Lewis after a superb break from their own 22.

Brett Davey added the points and they went 10-3 in front when Neil Jenkins, drafted in by the Welsh after 18 minutes, landed a trademark penalty.

But Connacht, buoyed by a vociferous and boisterous crowd, hit back and No.8 Colm Rigney burst through for an excellent try after 28 minutes, with Elwood adding the points to level the game.

Jenkins responded immediately with a penalty from the left but Connacht once more seized the initiative eight minutes from the break when Rowan Frost barged over and Elwood again added the points from the left touchline to give them a deserved interval advantage.

Ponytpridd got a great start to the second-half with a try from Shaun James to edge them in front after 46 minutes but Elwood restored the home lead with a penalty seven minutes later.

Jenkins responded with one for Ponty before they built up a massive 15 points lead with tries from Geraint Lewis and Gareth Wyatt.

Connacht displayed massive heart and just refused to lie down. They took control of the final 10 minutes with superb open rugby and reduced the margin with an excellent Wayne Munn try after the ball was sped through several pairs of hands.

They did not stop there and in the final minute Munn again crossed in the left corner.

Connacht: M. McHugh; G. Duffy, D. Yapp, S. Moore, W. Munn; E. Elwood, E. Reddan; R. McCormack, J. Flannery, P. Bracken; D. Browne, R. Frost; M. Swift, C. Rigney, J. O¹Connor.

Replacements: J. Norton for Yapp, inj. 49 mins; D. McFarland for Bracken, 51 mins; M. Uijs for Flannery, 51 mins; E. Peters for Swift, 67 mins;

Pontypridd: B. Davey; G. Wyatt, S. Parker, J. Bryant, E. Lewis; C. Sweeney, P. John; G. Jenkins, M. Davies (capt.), D. Bell; B. Cockbain, R. Sidoli; G. Lewis, M. Owen, R. Parks. Replacements: N. Jenkins for Bryant, 18 mins; S. James for Parker, 18 mins;

Referee: T. Spreadbury (England).