Regions Off Colour in Cup
By Lestyn - 05/10/03
October 5 2003
This was certainly the most disappointing weekend of regional rugby we've seen so far. Welsh interest in the Celtic cup was ended,as Connacht snuck a deserved win at Stradey park to end the Scarlets unbeaten start to the season. Up in Scotland the Blues faired even worse, being thumped by Edinburgh
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Celtic Cup Quarter Final Review |
Scarlets 12 Connacht 14
After such a good start to the season Gareth Jenkins's side were a major let down, as they slipped to their first defeat of the season. The Irish underdogs, should have won by more had not been for some easy misses with the try line begging. Where the Scarlets went wrong? Well simply they expected to turn up and win without playing. In contrast Connacht really wanted it, and it was clear to see the delight at which the full time whistle brought.
They also completely disrupted the Turks lineout, and it all went wrong from there really. But possibly stand in hooker Rhys Williams throwing in was a little under par? Anyway it was Connacht's night, full back Mark McHugh was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch by at least a few miles, scoring all his sides point's, centre Darren Yapp must also take a bit of credit as he made the usually strong Llanelli centre partnership look very ordinary indeed.
Gareth Bowen could be blamed, for his off night with the boot, including pulling the penalty which would have won it, wide in injury time. But his side should have had a semi final place done dusted in the opening twenty minutes anyway, even if Finau's try shouldn't have been given.
Edinburgh 33 Blues 16
Now I'm not an anger management therapist, but after this latest offering from the Blues, Dai Young must have steam coming out of his ears. The pack was improved, but the back line were shocking to say the least. A blunt plastic spoon would have had more cutting edge as the Robinson brothers and co failed to convert any of the massive amount of possession they had.
More worrying for Young is this display came after he had given his players a massive vote of confidence. How long it will take to be be re-paid is anyone's guess. In fairness Edinburgh did put together some nice moves, the second try in particular. The Scottish side now have a trip to Galway for the quarters and a tie with Connacht.
Cup Round Up
Munster's awful form continued as Glasgow just held on to beat them 18-14 at Hughenden. Number eight Paul Dearlove got the deciding try. The other quarter final was something of a thriller, as Ulster went through on try difference at home to Leinster, after "golden point" time, 23-23.
Semi Final Draw
11th/12th November
Glasgow v Ulster
Connacht v Edinburgh
An Ulster/Edinburgh final looks odds on then.