Friday Night Round Up
- 1493
Friday Round Up
Four matches took place on New Years day, and while most of us were inside relaxing, those playing were braving some atrocious weather conditions in Europe.
Leinster 13-0 Connacht
Arguably the most weather effected game took place in Dublin, as Leinster grinded out a 13-0 victory over fellow front runners Connacht. Playing in what must have seemed like the eye of a storm, a sole Josh Van Der Flier try in the second half and kicks from Sexton and Madigan was enough to give the home side victory. Connacht coach Pat Lam voiced some frustrations over the manner of the Leinster try, the grounding of which was far from clear in the TMO replays, but in the end Leinster were dominant and deserving of victory.
Cardiff Blues 29-27 Llanelli Scarlets
The game of the day game from Wales, with the Blues edging past local rivals the Scarlets in a high scoring shoot out. The Scarlets had led 10-20 at the half time interval, but a strong second half showing from the home side saw Dan Fish and Kristian Dacey score, before a last minute try from MOTM Rhys Patchell secured the thrilling victory.
Northampton 8-3 Exeter
Conditions in England weren’t much better than those in Ireland, with both Northampton and Exeter finding, two traditionally high scoring sides, finding the going tough on Friday night. A Mike Haywood push over try, and a penalty kick from JJ Hanrahan had the Saints leading 8-0 as the clock ran out. Exeter finally got on the score board in the dying minutes of the game Steenson. Exeter remain in 2nd after the result, with Northampton climbing to 5th after their slow start to the season.
