Connacht Run In Eight Tries Against Madrid

Debutant winger Tiernan O’Halloran helped himself to a try as Connacht claimed a satisfying bonus point in their Amlin Challenge Cup opener on Friday night.

Connacht got their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign off to an impressive start, claiming a 46-6 win over Olympus Rugby Madrid at the Sportsground on Friday.

Michael Bradley’s men scored eight tries in the process with lock Michael Swift and in-form winger Fionn Carr grabbing two apiece.

Clifden youngster Tiernan O’Halloran crowned his competitive debut with a try, with his touchdown on the half hour securing a bonus point following early tries from hooker Adrian Flavin, number 8 Mike McCarthy and Swift.

Fit-again centre Niva Ta’auso got Connacht’s fifth as Olympus out-half Jeremias Palumbo hit two penalties to leave it 27-6 at the break.

The home side dominated the second half with Carr crossing for a couple of tries and Swift completed the rout with his second try.

Full report to follow…