Edinburgh 25

Connacht 22

By JOHN FALLON

Fears that experienced Connacht winger John Porch could be out of action for a lengthy period after being stretchered off in Edinburgh on Saturday night were dispelled in the aftermath of their first loss of the season, but it was one of the few upsides after a frustrating performance.

This fourth round URC contest was held up for several minutes as the 29-years-old was treated and carried off on a mobile stretcher after an aerial clash with Edinburgh full-back Blair Kinghorn.

But Connacht coach Pete Wilkins said that the Australian was on his feet and walking about afterwards after receiving several stitches for a nasty cut on his leg.

“He had a nasty gash on his shin coming down from contesting that high ball,” said Wilkins. “He had it stitched, it was nasty enough for him not to return to the field, but he will be fine. He’s been stitched up, but he was walking around in the changing room.”

Wilkins admitted he was angry with the way Connacht lost their winning start to the season when they were caught napping from a tap penalty which saw replacement scrum-half Ben Vellacott set up Mark Bennett to put Edinburgh 22-15 in front after 67 minutes at Hive Stadium.

“I think as long as the game has been played you never turn your back on a penalty and we were punished fairly for that,” added Wilkins. “I was pretty cranky about that to be honest. It is just a shame, but you get what you deserve if you turn your back on a penalty.”

It was Tipperary native Ben Healy who broke Connacht’s hearts with the former Munster out-half, a URC medal winner with his native province last May, landed a drop goal in the final play of the night to end their winning start to the season.

Pictured: Joe Joyce scored his first Connacht try last weekend.