The home side started brightly and took the lead in just the third minute with a penalty from outside half Steffan Jones. Keys continued to put pressure on the visitors and once again had Jones to thank for extending the lead with penalties in the 16th and 26th minutes.
Connacht did have the odd moment where they threatened but Keys stood firm and were not prepared to let the Eagles through. With their pack firmly on top, a big drive from Keys’ forwards led to a penalty which was kicked to the corner.
From there, a driving lineout caused chaos in the Eagles defence with Ollie Hodge taking full advantage to score. Jones was unsuccessful with the extras and the visitors did get on the scoreboard just before the break when centre Tadgh Leader kicked a penalty.
Connacht certainly started the second half the better with long periods of pressure piled on to Keys’ defence. The Eagles then added their second and third penalty thanks to Leader’s boot in the 58th and 65th minutes.
As if Keys’ injury situation was not already bad enough, there was yet further bad news with replacement Rhys Dyer was knocked out cold after making a tackle. Thankfully after a break in play of around 15 minutes, Dyer was up and about shortly after being treated.
Connacht replacement Jack Carty pulled his side to within a score of Keys as the full timers superior fitness started to show in the 80th minute. But thankfully for the home side, Jones sealed the victory with his fourth successful penalty.
