A season of disappointment for Connacht was finally halted at the Galway Sportsground on Saturday when they got back to winning ways against Toulon in the European Shield. The result gave Connacht their first win in three starts in the competition this season, in an encounter which was tense but control won on the day for the Irish province.
Highly experienced out-half, Eric Elwood, contributed 17 points to the victory and he was aided by a lively pack as Toulon showed frustration in the poor conditions.
Elwood had two successful wind-assisted kicks in the first quarter before Gavin Webster won a vital line-out ball close to the French line to set-up number eight, Ultan O'Callaghan, who barged over from five metres. Connacht went further ahead on 24 minutes with another Elwood penalty from 30 metres. However, 10 minutes later, against the run of play, Toulon reduced the gap with a Warren Burton penalty
On 39 minutes, Elwood landed his fourth penalty to established a 17-3 interval lead.
Connacht pressed home their advantage on the resumption and loosehead prop Jimmy Screene dived over for his side's second try following a series of mauls out on the left. Elwood converted.
Toulon reduced the gap after 47 minutes when their stylish scrumhalf and captain, Pierre Mignoni dived over for a try under the Connacht posts. Burton converted to bring his European Shield points total to 39 from three matches.
Elwood and Burton brought the scoring to an end when they swopped penalties the 51st and 57th minutes.
Scoring sequence - 7 mins:E Elwood pen 30; 14: E Elwood pen 6-0; 19: U O'Callaghan try 110; 24: E Elwood pen 14-0; 34: W Burton pen 14-3; 39: E Elwood pen 17-3 half-time. 44: J Screene try, E Elwood con 24-3; 47: P Mignoni try, W Burton con 24-10; 51: E Elwood pen 27-10; 57: W Burton pen 27-13.
CONNACHT: S Allnut; M Mostyn, M Deane, M Murphy, P Duignan; E Elwood, (captain), S McIvor; J Screene, B Jackman, M Cahill, G Webster, M McConnell, J Charlie, U O'Callaghan, I Dillon. Replacements: C Rigney for Webster (62 mins), J Maher for Cahill (68 mins).
TOULON: W Burton; P Salecroux, D Douy, G Delmotte, G Gironella; L Guetard, P Mignoni (capt); P Fitzgerald, N Curnier, C Rivier, M Macurdy, S Nouchi, G Le Corvec, F Chouquet, R Jechoux. Replacements: L Emmanuelli for Fitzgerald (59 mins), A Galasso for Rivier (57 mins), T Louvet for Le Corvec (75 mins).
Referee: A Rowlands (WRU).
