Connacht too good for the Scarlets
Magners League strugglers Connacht scored a crucial win on Friday night in Galway, edging out the Scarlets 16-10.
Star No.10 kicked eleven of the home sides points on the night with Mike McComish's first half try added the real momentum for the hosts.
Nigel Davies' men, in truth, were poor on the night and particularly during the first period - trailing 13-0 at the break.
Despite enjoying early possession, the Welsh side failed to make the most of it and were punished by Keatley.
The victory though essentially came thanks to the dominance of the Connacht pack. Powerful up front, and doing very well to maintain their discipline when under the gosh, they were full value for their victory.
McCornish's try in the first half, setting up the victory, was created by scrumhalf Frank Murphy. The nippy No.9 broke on the blindside, fed Johnny O'Connor who then set up his back row partner for an easy run in.
The visitors grabbed a late second half consolation try through Lee Williams but the match was gone by that stage - meaning Connacht held on for a much needed victory and ended the Scarlets' recent run of wins. .
The scorers:
For Connacht
Try: McCommish
Con: Keatley
Pens: Keatley 3
For the Scarlets
Try: Williams
Con: Newton
Pen: Priestland
The teams:
Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy, 14 Troy Nathan, 13 Nive Ta'auso, 12 Keith Matthews, 11 Fionn Carr, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 Mike McComish, 7 Johnny O'Connor, 6 John Muldoon (capt), 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Mike McCarthy, 3 Robbie Morris, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Adrian Flavin, 17 Jamie Hagan, 18 Michael Swift, 19 Andrew Browne, 20 Conor O'Loughlin, 21 Miah Nikora, 22 Liam Bibo.
Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Morgan Stoddart, 13 Sean Lamont, 12 Rob Higgitt, 11 Lee Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 David Lyons (capt), 7 Richie Pugh, 6 Simon Easterby, 5 Damian Welch, 4 Vernon Cooper, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Aaron Shingler, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Gareth Davies, 21 Dan Newton, 22 Gareth Maule.
Referee: Graham Knox (SRU)
Assistant Referees: Alan Rogan (IRFU), John Carvill (IRFU)