CONNACHT GAVE UP an 8-0 half-time lead to lose 24-11 to the Llanelli Scarlets in the RaboDirectPRO12 at the Sportsground on Saturday evening.
George North was, once again, the hero for the Welsh side as he was at his destructive best. North capped a fine display with his fourth try of the season.
Rhys Priestland missed the Scarlets’ first attempt at a penalty and Miah Nikora put the home side in front, and captain Gavin Duffy would have scored the opening try had it not been for some poor handling by Tiernan O’Halloran.
With half-time approaching, Eoin Griffin pressed and was held just short by the Scarlets defence. However, from the resulting scrum, Griffin managed to squeeze over in the corner.
Nikora could not convert the try and Scarlets came out firing in the second half.
Jordan Williams grabbed the first of his two tries, converted by Priestland, before North steamrolled down the line to give his side the lead for the first time.
Williams’ second came on 52 minutes and Connacht were shell-shocked, although Nikora did manage to pull it back to 17-11 with his second penalty of the match.
The Westerners’ winger winger Fetu’u Vainikolo was denied the chance to open his legs in the final minute, and therefore any chance of bringing Connacht back into it, and Jonathan Davies sealed the win with a late try. Williams converted.
