Connacht end Neath's unbeaten run

Connacht have ended Neath's unbeaten run in the Celtic League with a 28-10 victory at the Galway Sports Ground while Munster and Ulster also recorded wins in another excellent Friday night for Ireland's provincial teams.

Connacht 28 Neath 10

Neath defeated Munster last week and on the back of that victory went into this match in buoyant form as Connacht are regarded as the weakest of Ireland's provincial teams. However, the Irish side managed to beat Cardiff at the Arms Park on the opening day of the season and added to their points tally tonight with another win.

Eric Elwood was the main instigator behind Connacht's victory, converting two of the three touchdowns and landing three vital penalties. Although the visitors took the lead after three minutes through a penalty by fly-half Lee Jarvis, Connacht soon took control and surged ahead two minutes later with a try by wing Wayne Munn. Further tries followed from captain Mark McConnell and John O'Connor, while all the Welshmen could manage after the opening Jarvis penalty was a try by Shaun Connor, which Jarvis converted.

Munster 29 Newport 21

Munster needed a win tonight to keep alive their hopes of qualification for the knock-out stages of the Celtic League and they did just that with a fine comeback at Musgrave Park, giving Declan Kidney's side three wins from four matches. Newport deservedly led 13-10 at the interval having enjoyed more possession in the opening 40 minutes. They led thanks to a 34th-minute try from scrum-half Dale Burn and his half-back partner Jason Strange's superiority with the boot over Lions fly-half Ronan O'Gara. However, a try from Frankie Sheahan, converted by O'Gara, ensured Munster were in touch going into the break.

In the second-half, Munster's Anthony Foley burst over for a try just five minutes after the re-start and O'Gara converted before going on to score four penalty kicks to earn a personal tally of 19 points. Newport scored an injury time consolation try through Chris Anthony but it ended in favour of the home side.

Ebbw Vale 27 Ulster 29

Outside half Paddy Wallace inspired Ulster to an exciting comeback, kicking five penalties and two conversions, to beat Welsh side Ebbw Vale tonight. Wallace's most important kick came in the 64th minute when he slotted over a straightforward 20-metre goal to put his team in front for the first time after they had trailed 20-3 at the interval. Australian centre Ryan Constable sliced through for the visitors' first try nine minutes following the re-start after pouncing on a loose ball. Wing Tyrone Howe sealed the victory with an 80th minute converted touchdown.

In tonight's other Pool B match, Edinburgh beat Caerphilly 27-20.

Filed by Amanda Fennelly