Connacht sign off with scrappy Zebre win

CONNACHT closed out their season with a ragged 22-20 United Rugby Championship win over Zebre Parma at the Sportsground yesterday.

Tries from Kieran Marmion, Niall Murray and Eoghan Masterson gave Connacht a 17-8 half-time lead, the bottom-placed Italians rallying with a late score from Lorenzo Pani.

John Porch bagged the hosts’ bonus point in the 48th minute, but closing efforts from Zebre replacement Matteo Nocera and Enrico Lucchin made for a tighter-than-expected finish.

It brings the curtain down on what was, ultimately, a disappointing season for Andy Friend’s side, who played an attractive style and achieved some notable results without managing to secure the consistency needed for real progress. Friend will be hoping the capture of the likes of Adam Byrne and Peter Dooley from Leinster can provide the spark needed.