Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_04_07/GA_0704_E1_126.pdf 

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126

SPORT

April 7 2005

Connacht keep Euro cup dream alive
LINLEY MACKENZIE Connacht 18 Sale Sharks 25
Connacht remain the only province with a glimmer of hope for European honours this season, but face a difficult task after losing to Sale Sharks in Saturday's Challenge Cup semi-final at the Galway Sportsground. When they face the Zurich Premiership outfit in April 24th's second leg, they not only have to overcome a seven-points deficit, but an expected capacity 10,000 crowd at Stockport's Edgeley Park. Yet Sale were not trumpeting their victory on Saturday, knowing that for much of the match the unheralded Irish province had run their 11 plus internationals around the park, and had to wait until the 72nd minute to take a first leg lead. "With seven points it will be tough," said Sale's Phillipe Saint Andre. " We need to play with our best team and with a lot of support behind us." A hat-trick of second half tries had given the English outfit a 14-points lead, but Connacht's last gasp try from flanker Matt Lacey ensured Connacht have much to play for in the second leg. "Seven points is not

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irreversible," said Connacht coach Michael Bradley. "They now have the advantage. They are seven points up, have home advantage, and a superior try count of three to two, but so be it. We are well used to being underdogs." Both coaches insisted improvements were needed for the impending second leg. Sale will be looking to restore the injured Charlie Hodgson to kick the points that Hercus missed on Saturday; Connacht will need to hold onto the ball turnovers proving their downfall on Saturday. Described by Bradley as something of a "wait and see" game, this first leg was therefore no show stopper. With both defences on top, there were few line breaks, and on a day perfect for running rugby, the expectant crowd were shortchanged. Wanting to see Jason Robinson in full flight, they were disappointed - his one break that could have led to a try saw him upended by a measured Conor McPhillips' tackle. In this respect Bradley was satisfied, noting that "keeping Jason Robinson quiet is a requirement for the next match". So too was

top try scorer Steve Hanley, but it was right wing Mark Cueto who proved too strong, scoring two tries in the corner with two Connacht players unable to stop him. He was the recipient of quick ball from a powerful pack that found its weight - some two stone heavier than Connacht - in the second half, helped by astute second-half substitions. However Connacht contributed to their own donwfall, turning over ball at crucial areas and allowing the Sale pack to turn the screw in the scrum which was the platform for their success. "The Sale scrum was excellent, very strong and they certainly have an advantage in that area," said Bradley. "But when you get into position on the park you cannot afford to turn over ball cheaply." Two turnovers in the second half proved pivotal. Until then Connacht had not only held their own, but taken a lead courtesy of a first-half try. Sale produced the ideal start with a second minute drop goal from Mike Hercus, only one of two the outhalf kicked from six attempts in that first half. Yet Connacht found their feet and started to play rugby. Sensibly keeping the ball away from Robinson, it was the genius of veteran Eric Elwood who settled the home side.

Connacht captain Andrew Farley leads by example with Stephen Knoop in support in Saturday's European Challenge Cup first leg semi-final against Sale Sharks at the Sportsground. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy Putting all of his 17 years with the province into this game, his splendid touch finders finally gave Connacht some territorial control, and his 15th minute penalty kept the sides level. When Cueto was sinbinned for hands in the ruck, Connacht's pack drove forward from Farley's catch and the captain touched down for the opening try after 34 minutes. When Elwood added a 49th minute drop goal, the Irish province extended the lead to 11 - 6 and were looking good for a home win. However the first blow came on 63 minutes when a turnover gave Sale the initiative. Centre Chris Rhys Jones forced a five metre scrum from Hercus' kick for the corner, and the impressive French international No 8 Sebastien Chabal forced his way over after a powerful surge. A similar Connacht mistake less than 10 minutes later unleashed Sale's pack power again, strengthened with secondhalf substitutions that proved tactically critical. Chabal, breaking from the scrum, set up Cueto on the right wing, and Cueto added his second on 82 minutes from yet another five metre scrum, the Zurich premiership side,

Champs go west!!

Connacht's Peter Bracken with Michael Swift on the charge against Sale Sharks in Saturday's European Challenge Cup game at the Sportsground. with had opened a 14 points deficit. Yet at the death Connacht forced their way over with Matt Lacey touching down and Elwood converting - the Connacht flanker attributing his try to Connacht's "great fighting spirit". Connacht have pulled off some remarkable wins on the road, but when Lacey returns to his home patch for the second leg, Connacht will certainly need bucketloads if they are to overcome the odds and prevail. Connacht: M Mostyn, C McPhillips, D Yapp, M McHugh, D Slemen, E Elwood, C Keane; R Hogan, J Fogarty, P Bracken, C Short, A Farley (cpt), J Muldoon, M Lacey, J O'Sullivan. Replacements: S Knoop for Bracken and P Warwick for Yapp (half time), M Swift for O'Sulllivan (50m), B Jackman for Fogarty (50m), D McFarland for Hogan (76m). Sale Sharks: J Robinson (cpt), M Cueto, C Rhys Jones, R Todd, S Hanley, M Hercus, S Martens, A Sheridan, S Bruno, S Turner, C Jones, D Schofield, J White, A Titterrell, S Chabal. Replacements: B Redparth for Martens (47m), B Stewart for Turner (52m), C Lobbe for Bruno (67m), J Payne for R Jones (70m), R Wigglesworth for Hanley (83m) Yellow Cards: Sale, M Cueto 33m, Stewart 55m; Connacht: C Keane 55m, Referee: C Berdos (France)

Come and support Connacht Rugby Legend Eric Elwood in his last home match against the Celtic League Champions
Sunday 10th April At Galway Sportsground KO 4.45pm
Tickets - Enclosed Stand 20 Terrace 10 OAP/Student 5 - Children FREE
From Connacht Rugby (091) 561568 or www.connachtrugby.ie & selected outlets

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All levels, all ages Beginners welcome

087 6349345