Fast start fires Connacht
Connacht produced a devastating opening burst to propel them to a 31-25 victory over Treviso.
Last Updated: 04/03/11 10:17pm
Connacht produced a devastating opening burst to propel them to a 31-25 victory over Treviso in the Magners League on Friday.
The home side stormed into an 18-0 lead after just 11 minutes of play at the Sportsground, but had to hold on in the end as the Italians fought back bravely in the second half.
Treviso failed to steal the points though and Connacht hung on for a fourth successive home victory which moves them further up the Magners League table.
After losing last week, Connacht flew out of the traps and took the lead with centre Troy Nathan crossing for the try, with fly-half Ian Keatley converting.
Treviso were put deeper in the mire with a yellow card to openside flanker Manoa Vosawai, and Keatley took advantage by slotting over the resultant penalty.
The Italian side were only able to hold out for four more minutes when scrum-half Frank Murphy scored an unconverted try.
Stagnant
A period of stagnant play followed before Connacht's stand-off scored yet another three points.
However, to Treviso's credit they fought back with two tries in quick succession. Firstly, winger Michael Sepe touched down before Vosawai partially made up for his earlier indiscretion with a try of his own.
But Keatley added a brace of penalties to give the hosts a comfortable lead at the break.
Seven minutes into the second half and Connacht effectively sealed the win after a score from winger Brian Tuohy.
The home side's fly-half added the extras but De Waal replied for Treviso with two more three-pointers.
Flanker Jonny O'Connor was sin-binned and the Italian side scored a late penalty try to give them the losing bonus point.
