Cavalieri upset Connacht
A late try from flank Wouter Moore gave Italian side I Cavalieri Estra a 23-21 victory over Connacht in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Last Updated: 09/10/10 6:27pm
A late try from flank Wouter Moore gave Italian side I Cavalieri Estra a 23-21 victory over Connacht in the Amlin Challenge Cup on Saturday.
Connacht led 13-3 at half time before the home side scored two tries in the second half to snatch the win at Stadio Lungobisenzio.
The only points that Cavalieri could muster in the opening period came from the boot of former Italy full-back Rima Wakarua, while Ian Keatley grabbed all 13 of his side's points with two penalties, a try and conversion.
The Irish province stretched their advantage within three minutes of the restart when Kiwi lock Bernie Upton crashed over for a second try.
But the hosts hit back with 13 unanswered points. Wing Niccolo Tempestini crossed for the first home try and Wakarua landed the conversion and two penalties.
That cut the gap to two points before Keatley steadied the rocky Connacht ship with his third penalty of the game.
Then came Moore's charge for glory and a critical conversion from Wakarua to take his match-winning points tally to 13 and seal the win, although Connacht outside half Keatley hit the post with a last-gasp drop-goal attempt.
On Sunday, Bayonne host Harlequins in the battle of Pool One's big guns.