Friend’s all smiles after his first win in charge

ANDY Friend was thrilled to get his first win as Connacht coach as his men proved too strong for a side who did the double over them last season.

Glasgow edged a 27-26 win to spoil Friend’s first game in charge but Connacht were in charge of this on from the outset.

The hosts had lost three in a row against Zebre in the league but two tries from Paul Boyle, along with the efforts of Caolin Blade, Eoin Griffin and Niyi Adeolokun helped Connacht to the bonus point.

“I was really happy with that performance. We needed the win,” said Friend.“The boys didn’t let Zebre play well, which is a credit to them.”

Connacht took a 17-3 lead into half-time after two tries from Boyle in the opening 21 minutes. Jack Carty kicked an early penalty before Boyle burst over for his first.

Blade pounced on an error from Zebre winger Mattia Bellini to scamper down the left, and when he was hauled down, Boyle crashed over after a pass from Dave Heffernan.

Boyle got his second in the 21st minute after more pressure. Carty converted both times for a 17-0 lead.

Carlo Canna knocked over a Zebre penalty and Matu Tevi was denied a try, when prop Andrea Lovotti was penalised for taking a Connacht player out.

Blade’s effort, eight minutes after the interval, ensured victory. Griffin scored the bonus point try and Adeolokun finished things off. Giulio Bisegni scored a late consolation.