Connacht slay Dragons
Connacht scored a much-needed 16-3 Magners League victory over Newport Gwent Dragons on Wednesday.
Last Updated: 17/03/10 9:46pm
Connacht gave Galway added reason to celebrate St Patrick's Day after they scored a much-needed 16-3 Magners League victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.
Ian Keatley kicked three penalties and converted Fionn Carr's first-half try to extend an unbeaten home run which stretches back to September.
The result also dented the Dragons' play-off hopes - coach Paul Turner missing internationals Luke Charteris and Danny Lydiate for Wednesday's match, with Adam Jones, Lewis Evans and James Harris also absent through injury.
Connacht were by and large dominant and the Dragons were restricted to just a single penalty from Jason Tovey.
Opposing fly-half Keatley always had more scope to influence play given the platform created by his forwards, who were highly effective in the set-piece - lock Mike McCarthy stealing two Dragons lineouts.
Such hard work resulted in two penalties converted by Keatley in the ninth and 15th minutes respectively.
Michael Bradley's side then extended their lead to 13-0 with a terrific breakaway try mid-way through the first half.
After Connacht gained turnover ball, scrum-half Conor O'Loughlin made a break and kicked through for Liam Bibo to chase.
He gathered well and a lofted pass found fellow wing Carr, who proceeded to outpace the Dragons' cover and score his 12th try of the season close to the posts, with Keatley adding the extras.
Intent
The Dragons showed intent - centre Matthews Watkins in particular making some good runs - but Connacht managed to keep their wide men out of the game.
Tovey kicked a penalty to cut the gap to 13-3 at half-time after Tom Willis and his Dragons forwards were stopped five metres out.
However, they failed to add further points in a largely stilted second half.
Connacht extended their lead once more courtesy of Keatley, although he went on to miss two further efforts.
The Dragons almost hit back with a try - Bibo's hit on Watkins instead forcing a turnover - and although they spent the closing moments of the match looking for a way over, the home side held firm.
