Warriors title bid back on track
Ali Price celebrates grabbing his try against Connacht last night.
First, he repaired some of the damage with a penalty – then the Scotland playmaker’s clever work paved the way for hooker Corey Flynn to barrel over the line.
The score was converted by Russell to provide more confidence to Gregor Townsend’s men.
Craig Donaldson narrowed the gap with an easy penalty as the Warriors defence struggled to cope with the ferocity of the Connacht counter-attacks.
The accurate off- loading game of the visitors continued to pose a big threat to Glasgow. It was no surprise when skipper JohnMuldoon powered through for their second touchdown on the half-hour mark.
Ronaldson banged over the kick from a wide angle, only to see Russell bag his second penalty four minutes before the interval.
A controversial ruck verdict by Welsh ref Ian Davies handed Ronaldson another three points.
But Warriors stormed back immediately to set up a trademark try for Russell – who also converted.
The action exploded in the 53rd minute when Connacht ace Jack Carty was yellowcarded for a high challenge.
His hit on Pete Horne sparked an all-out brawl, but the ref took no more action.
Glasgow spurned a certain three points to aim for a try, and scrum-half Ali Price obliged by evading three markers with a mazy dash to the line.
Russell added the extras beforebeingsubbedbyScotland mate Alex Dunbar.
Then came the major flashpoint of the contest when Swinson was sent packing – leaving Glasgow a man short for the final 15 minutes.
Ronaldson’s resultant penalty put the outcome back in the melting pot.
Horne eased the jitters by restoring the gap six minutes from time.
Connacht were far from finished, however, and John Cooney’s penalty raised the tension level.
Then came moment of magic.
Later, Ali Price laughed off his chances of becoming a shock Lions pick after helping Glasgow kick- start their Pro12 title chances.
The new Scotland scrum-half claimed the Man-of-the-Match prize. But he chortled at suggestions he could be in line to make the dream trip to New Zealand.
Price declared: “All I am thinking is how great I feel to be back with the club after being away for the 6 Nations.
“This was a tremendous bonus point win, particularly when you consider we had only 20% possession in the first half.”
L a m o n t ’s