Updated: Friday, 11 Oct 2013 22:36 | Comments Kieran Marmion scores Connacht's opening try Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens were made to fight tooth and nail for a 23-17 opening win in the Heineken Cup, needing a late Owen Farrell penalty to edge past a hugely determined Connacht side. A brace of penalties from Farrell were the only scores of a defence-dominated second half at the Sportsground, as massive outsiders Connacht - inspired by man of the match Kieran Marmion - stayed in the hunt for a shock victory. They almost got it right at the death as bodies piled in close to the Sarries line, but replacements Aly Muldowney and Paul O'Donohoe were held up short and the relieved visitors got out of
Tag: Connacht
Connacht open PRO12 account with win over Zebre
Updated: Saturday, 07 Sep 2013 19:08 | Comments Nathan White scored an early try for Connacht Pat Lam's stewardship of Connacht began on a positive note as they swept Zebre aside for an opening RaboDirect PRO12 win at the Sportsground. Prop Nathan White, who turned 32 on Wednesday, accepted a belated birthday present in the form of an intercept try as he sent Connacht ahead in the fourth minute. Luciano Orquera replied with a penalty but Connacht pushed 12-3 in front when Matt Healy - one of the province's best performers in pre-season - scored a classy converted try on the half hour. New Zealand recruits Dion Berryman and Brendon Leonard had precious few chances to inspire the Italians in attack. Dan Parks added