Late drama as Connacht pick up first overseas win of the season
Connacht emerged victorious in an encounter against Scarlets, scraping a 24-25 win in their first overseas game of the season. The match was marked by intense competition and dramatic late moments.
Early Pressure
Connacht put Scarlets under immense early pressure, but the Scarlet’s defence stood strong to withstand the onslaught. The pressure did tell in the end, as Piers O’Conor crashed over a loose ball from Ioan Nicholas for Connacht’s first try of the game.
Jack Carty converted from a tricky angle, and Connacht led 7-0.
Setbacks for Scarlets
Things went from bad to worse for Scarlets, as Tom Rogers was sin-binned shortly after. Connacht did go over the line again, but after much deliberation between the referee and the TMO, it was ruled out for obstruction.
Connacht’s Second Try
Connacht did get their second try shortly after however, as Jack Carty found Mack Hansen in acres of space with a spectacular kick to the corner. Carty finished off the move with a conversion and Connacht were cruising.
Scarlets Fight Back
Scarlets did find a way back into the game later in the first-half, as Bundee Aki was sin binned for a high-tackle, and both teams were 14-men apiece. Almost immediately after, Gareth Davies went over the line to get Scarlets on the scoreboard. Sam Costelow converted.
Tom Rogers came back into the fray for Scarlets, and they made their numerical advantage count. Gareth Davies got his second try of the game, and Sam Costelow converts again. Level once again.
There was a huge momentum shift and Scarlets were on the front foot. Connacht’s through-the-hands game started to get sloppy, and it looked like Scarlets were turning the screw.
The dominance didn’t last long though, as Scarlet’s gave up possession, and Connacht were quick to punish. Ben Murphy went over the line and Carty once again converted.
Second Half
With five tries in the first-half, the second-half had a lot to live up to. A lull in the game seen both teams go tit-for-tat for much of the second half.
Scarlets got back within one, courtesy of Sam Costelow’s penalty. He added another three points with seven minutes to go, and it looked like Scarlets were on the way to their first win of their URC season.
Deciding Penalty
Though it just wasn’t to be for Scarlets. In a dramatic finale, Cathal Forde kicked a penalty for Connacht from a tight angle, successfully sending the ball through the posts to seal the victory at 24-23.
