Great Start By Connacht, Ulster Lose in Wales

Connacht opened their Parker Pen Challenge Cup campaign in the best possible fashion with an 18-10 win over Beziers at the Stade de la Mediteranee but Ulster went down 24-15 to Gwent Dragons in Rodney Parade.

Eric Elwood kicked all his side’s points and David Humphreys did likewise for Ulster.

In Beziers, Connacht led 12-0 at the break and their cause was helped greatly when indiscipline saw the home side reduced to 13 within 12 minutes of the restart after centre Olivier Gargallo (42 min) and prop Goderzi Shvelidze (50 min) were red-carded by referee Antonio Lombardi (Italy).

In Wales, A try from Percy Montgomery two minutes from time clinched victory for the Dragons to maintain their unbeaten home record.

All of Ulster’s points came from the boot of David Humphreys but ultimately, this game was won and lost up front where Dragons coach Mike Ruddock won the tactical battle hands-down.