What a win. Connacht have secured a dramatic 24-22 victory over the Cheetahs at the Sportgrounds after a last minute try from Tom Farrell. It completed a fantastic comeback for the westerners, who trailed by eight points with ten minutes to play.
The home side started the game in a convincing fashion, with Niyi Adeolokun showing fantastic pace to power home their opening try of the game.
Obair iontach ag Conor Fitzgerald & an úd faighte ag Niyi Adeolokun do @connachtrugby
@PRO14Official ar @TG4TV
Conor Fitzgerald is the creator extraordinaire for this try finished with aplomb by Adeolokun! The home side lead #CONvCHE@ballsdotie @the2ndRow @ConnachtClan pic.twitter.com/vFUf8a5Z5K— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2019
Cheetahs would get their first try on the half hour mark to get within two points.
Adeolokun was instrumental in their second one just before half time, providing the line break out wide before laying the ball off to Kieran Marmion to finish.
Úd spleodrach ag Kieran Marmion do @connachtrugby, cruthaithe ag Adeolokun & an luas ata aige!
@PRO14Official ar @TG4TV
Connacht hit back with their 2nd try & again that man Adeolokun is central to it & Marmion with the finish #CONvCHE@dementedmole @craggyrugbypod @the2ndRow pic.twitter.com/86bGTWtXPU— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2019
Connacht took a 14-5 lead into the interval, but it was the Cheetahs who would dominate the early exchanges in the second half.
Luas lasrach ó Rhyno Smith & úd ag na Cheetahs! #CONvCHE
@PRO14Official ar @TG4TV
Serious pace from the prolific Cheetahs fullback as he scores yet another try!@ballsdotie @BHHooker @Rugbai_BEO pic.twitter.com/0gIXn3bZuE— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2019
After a try from Blommetjies extended their lead to eight points, Connacht were in big trouble.
However, substitute Tom Farrell would have the deciding impact on the game. He broke from the maul to get his side within striking distance in the closing stages.
Tom Farrell mar cuid den maul! Cinnte nuair atá úd ar fáil!
@PRO14Official ar @TG4TV
Tom Farrell makes a major impact on the game as he breaks from the maul to score for @connachtrugby #CONvCHE@ConnachtClan @SportsJOEdotie @the2ndRow pic.twitter.com/3GeVhsswRD— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2019
As the clock ticked over to 80 minutes, Connacht still trailed. They would have to wait five minutes into the red before they would get that all-important fourth try, with Farrell once again providing the finishing touch.
Dochreidte! Cad é mar críoch anseo sa Sportsground! An bua ag @connachtrugby ag deireadh an cluiche!
@PRO14Official ar @TG4TV
Tom Farrell with his second & Connacht's 4th try in the final seconds of an engrossing affair! Breathless stuff! #CONvCHE@ConnachtClan @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/XKF1Tz9z9g— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 26, 2019
This result means Connacht have won three of their first four games in the PRO 14, a start which they hope will propel them to a strong season.
