IT’S CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR FOR CONS

NEW Irish recruit Dave Heffernan crossed for a try which set Connacht up for a shock win at Franklin’s Gardens.

But while that score 18 minutes from time brought them within striking distance, they were unable to close the deal in a frantic finish.

Instead, it is Northampton Saints who will host Stade Francais next Friday night to see who claims the final Champions Cup spot.

For a time yesterday it looked like the Pat Lam era at Connacht would be extended for another week as they refused to buckle, even after conceding a converted try in the opening minute.

Lam’s men didn’t panic and were level by the fifth minute when Craig Ronaldson threaded a neat grubber through for Niyi Adeolokun to collect and slide over. There was nothing between the sides in the third quarter but Northampton scrum-half Nic Groom struck a telling blow after 57 minutes when he sniped over to make it 18-10.

But once again the Connacht response was superb. Captain John Muldoon pointed to the left corner when Kieran Marmion was tackled high and it was a good call as Connacht drove over, with hooker Heffernan credited with the touchdown.

Mallinder extended the lead to six points 10 minutes from time before Connacht came with a massive late onslaught but they were unable to snatch a winner at the death (left).