Connacht's hopes still alive

A DANIEL Riordan hat-trick helped nine try Connacht secure the required away win in Spain on Sunday to propel them right back into contention in pool three of the European Challenge Cup.After a weekend in which results elsewhere were more than favourable for Michael Bradley’s side, Connacht now know that a win of any kind will secure them a place in the last eight of the competition as one of the three best runners up, barring the unlikely event of Auch winning away to Bath on Saturday.Connacht are currently third in the group on 14 points but will move ahead of Brive on points with even the narrowest of victories at the Sportsground and that will definitely keep them ahead of Pool 4 side Montauban.Of the other second placed teams, Auch are equal with Connacht on 14 points but their trip to unbeaten Bath is likely to end in a defeat. That leaves Castres on 17. They finish with a home tie against Leeds this Thursday (live on Sky) and Montpellier are also on 17 — they will be at home to current number one seeds Sale on Saturday.Connacht will be hoping to avoid a clash with a Sale side that have demolished their opponents to date and are strong favourites to win the competition. With Sale likely to continue their winning ways in Montpellier such a result combined with a Connacht victory and an Auch defeat could set up a Quarter final away to Bath or Worcester.All of course will be…..