Connacht cut down Warriors
Worcester Warriors' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup appear slim after their 19-7 defeat at Connacht.
Last Updated: 18/12/09 10:19pm
Worcester Warriors' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup appear over after their 19-7 defeat at Connacht.
The defeat, their second in the space of a week to the Irish province, means that Mike Ruddock's team look to have ended their interest in Europe one season after reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Worcester travelled to the Galway Sportsground looking to turn around their surprise 26-21 loss at Sixways.
Full-back Chris Pennell gave them the perfect start when he scored the game's first try on 24 minutes, with fly-half Matthew Jones converting.
However, the home team mastered the cold and blustery conditions to lead 8-7 at half time through the boot of fly-half Ian Keatley and a try from flanker John Muldoon.
Gavin Duffy extended the advantage early in the second half though it was not until Keatley kicked a second penalty 10 minutes from time that the victory was secure.
A late Keatley drop goal denied the Warriors the chance of a losing bonus point and left Connacht eyeing a place in the last eight.
