Glasgow grit too much for Connacht

CONNACHT’S hero to zero season continued at a sunkissed Scotstoun as the reigning Pro12 champions fell in Glasgow, writes Alexander McLeman.

Twelve months ago the Irish province were enjoying a fairytale season but a year on the picture is bleak.

Tries from Niyi Adeolokun and John Muldoon, plus a Craig Ronaldson penalty and conversion, put the visitors 15-10 up at halftime, Corey Flynn responding with Finn Russell putting over a conversion and penalty.

But then the wheels came off and they could not even take advantage of a late red card for Tim Swinson’s reckless arm tackle.

Russell, Ali Price and Sean Lamont sealed the bonus-point for the hosts. Russell added two more conversions and Peter Horne a penalty.

Ronaldson kicked sixpoints for Connacht with John Cooney adding a late effort.

Price’s try came when the Irish province were down to 14 men after Jack Carty received a yellow card for a high tackle. That put gritty Glasgow 27-18 ahead.

Price said: “At half-time we were told we’d had only 20 per cent possession and had been constantly in defence, but after the break, once we got the ball, we caused them trouble.

“There’s a really positive atmosphere around the club right now with so much to play for. Such a great result tonight, which sets-us-up nicely for next-week against Saracens in the Champions Cup.”

Connacht can now all but forget about a place in next season’s elite tournament.