ConnachtÕs woes in Wales continue with loss to depleted Welsh rivals

Scarlets 25Connacht 15

Connacht’s difficulties on their travels are well documented in the RaboDirect Pro12. Even during Six Nations windows where opponents traditionally suffer more in terms of absentees, results are rarely positive and Friday’s tussle at Parc Y Scarlets was no different despite a strong start. Connacht have now won just once in the last 19 visits to Wales.

Dannie Poolman’s try within 30 seconds of the kick-off gave the visitors a dramatic start after a well judged cross-field kick from Dan Parks. Even with the missed conversion, this was a five point buffer almost from the very outset and against a home side short of seven frontliners – at the very least finishing with a losing bonus point should have been within Connacht’s capabilities.

The visitors had some absentees as well with Michael McCarthy continuing his rise in the Irish ranks and Robbie Henshaw involved with the Irish U-20s, but they brought a bench full of returning squad members in John Muldoon, Gavin Duffy and Willie Faloon. Overall, the odds were with them at the one minute mark.

Adam Warren’s sharp break for the Scarlets, however, helped turn the tide immediately back in the home side’s favour as they got on to the scoreboard with a penalty from Owen Williams on five minutes. He was to prove key to his side’s victory on the day and that quick response set the tone.

Connacht responded with positive play and Dan Parks had a look at the posts from long range, kicking well only to see his effort rebound off the right post. After absorbing more pressure the Scarlets earned themselves a penalty which Williams kicked on 20 minutes to give the region a 6-5 lead.

The game was evenly balanced in those early stages with Parks answering William’s efforts with a well taken drop goal after another Connacht foray into visiting territory to restore the lead, but Williams kicked his third penalty soon after for a lead the home side wouldn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.

Poor discipline at the breakdown was costing Connacht, while similar transgressions were not being punished in return as Parks missed from long range before Williams kicked his fourth penalty in injury time for a 12-8 half time lead.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.