Connacht go down fighting to Exeter in Challenge cup

A very disappointing weekend for Irish provinces ends on a bad note

Irish provincial rugby for at least three of the four domestic outfits needs a major pick me up after Connacht became the third native side to suffer a loss in Europe this weekend,going down at home today to Exeter Chiefs by 33-24 in the Challenge Cup. The day had started so well for the home side at the Sportsgrounds with Matt Healy crossing for a try after just five minutes and despite the concession of a penalty try, Wilie Faloon ran over to make it 10-7 after 23 minutes. But another missed conversion meant they didn't have the breathing space needed to keep the Chiefs at bay and it was level at 10-each on 35 minutes. However Connacht are not as flaky or mentally weak as they once were and in a devastating five minute spell before the break a Poolman try, set up by a great run from Mils Muliaina, and converted by Carty,had them 17-10 ahead at the short whistle Connacht supporters had a right to feel that they might have a famous home win to savour in the cold of Galway but Exeter came out a side transformed in the second period. Six scores inside the opening 23 minutes of the second half,with Mumm and Armand tries along with penalties from Slade, saw that 7 point deficit turned into a 13 point lead. A late try from Connacht did ensure of a losing bonus point and despite the loss their fate could be very much in their own hands, because of the chance that a bonus win over Bayonne may allow them qualify for the last eight as one of the three best runners up from the pool stage.