Narbonne 35 - Connacht 29


Preseason

By LDTT
August 14 2006

Connacht scored five tries in their pre-season clash with Narbonne at Parc des Sports et de L'Amitie on Saturday night, but were unable to hold out their hosts to seal a winning start to the season. Two tries from Paul Warwick, and one each from Daniel Riordan, Matt Mostyn and Matt Lacey gave the visitors every chance of victory, however a number of missed place kicks proved the difference between the sides as Narbonne equalled Connachts impressive try count.

Unfortunately, during the dying stages of the match, Connacht replacement prop, Ronan Loughney suffered a torn cruciate knee ligament and will be out for a number of months. This incident will no doubt remind supporters of Connacht's current outhalf Mark McHugh, who suffered a similar injury against the Leicester Tigers in last seasons pre-season. In what must be a huge disappointment to Ronan, it is the second time in less than a year that he has received this injury, befalling a similar fate when he was injured last November. The Galway man is currently on a two year contract with Connacht, and the province is looking forward to his recovery, knowing what a valuable commodity a young quality prop is.



'It is a terrible blow. Ronan has worked so hard to get back from the same injury last year. He displayed great dedication and commitment to recover from that one and I have no doubt he will do the same again,' said Connacht coach Michael Bradley. 'Ronan is a dedicated professional and while I know this is a very disappointing setback for him, he has what it takes to bounce back and I look forward to the day when he will be fit again because he is a quality prop,' added Bradley.

While a number of Connacht's players are currently with the Irish squad in Spala, it gave an opportunity for Connachts to blood some of their new recruits including South African prop Brett Wilkinson, former London Irish hooker Adrian Flavinand Andrew Browne of Galwegians.

Connacht will complete their pre-season preparation with a game against the Earth Titans this Friday. The Irish province will travel to face the English National One side at Sheffield Hallam Sports Ground.

Connacht side v Narbonne:
M Mostyn; K Matthews, P Warwick, G Williams, D Riordan; M McHugh, C O'Loughlin; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, S Knoop; D Gannon, A Farley; B O'Connor, M Lacey, C Rigney.
Replacements:
M Diffley for Wilkinson, half-time;
J Fogarty for Flavin, 53 mins;
R Loughney for Knoop, 53 mins;
T Tierney for O'Loughlin, 60 mins;
D Slemen for McHugh, 60 mins;
J Hearty for Warwick, 60 mins;
A Browne for Gannon, 60 mins.

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