Paddy Jackson

By Gary Watton
October 13 2013

In the first round of pool matches in this season's Heineken Cup, the four Oirish provinces experienced a range of results and emotions. 

On Friday, Connacht fought gallantly against the highly-rated Saracens, eventually succumbing to the lethal boot of young Owen Farrell. The west coasters can take heart from their commendable display but they must realise that progress beyond the group stage is almost impossible after losing your first match at home.

Meanwhile, fortress Ravenhill witnessed yet another triumph over the Leicester Tigers. The visitors consoled themselves with a last-minute penalty that secured them a losing bonus point. As for Ulster, they appear to be turning the corner after their opening defeats in their first two Pro12 fixtures. Tommy Bowe recorded a crucial first-half try while Paddy Jackson (pictured) kicked seventeen points. The White Knights now have the small matter of a visit to formidable Montpellier.

On Saturday, Leinster narrowly and unconvincingly squeezed past the Ospreys. To kick off with an away win is a great start, but the blues have made a surprisingly sluggish start to their season.

Meanwhile, the biggest choker of the weekend was Munster being conquered by Edinburgh. This setback turned the early-season form of both protagonists upside down. Munster are sitting second in the Pro12 while Edinburgh are bottom of the heap. However the kicking boots of Laidlaw severely punished Munster, even though Ian Keatley also weighed in with a number of successful kicks. Defeat in their first match is not the end of the world, but Munster need a big response and they know that they have little margin for error in their remaining encounters.

Results:

CONNACHT 17 Saracens 23

(Tries: Marmion, Poolman)

ULSTER 22 Leicester 16

(Try: Bowe)

Edinburgh 29 MUNSTER 23

(Tries: Laulala, Sherry)

Ospreys 9 LEINSTER 19

(Try: O'Brien)