Mayo's Harry West scores a try on historic occasion for Connacht

History was made on Saturday evening as the Clan Stand at the redeveloped Dexcom Stadium was officially opened in front of an attendance of over 12,481 for a blockbuster showdown against Leinster.

Despite a resolute display by Connacht, Leinster recorded a 34-23 victory.

This fixture had sold out before Christmas, such was the level of interest in what was a wonderful occasion for all associated with Connacht Rugby. Leinster’s ticket allocation sold out nearly two months before this fixture.

The visitors made a lively start to this joust and a try from Fintan Gunne after nine minutes coupled with Harry Byrne’s conversion gleaned an early lead.

A determined Connacht bounced back though, and Dylan Tierney-Martin’s try on 13 minutes followed by Sam Gilbert’s impeccable conversion restored parity.

Connacht were awarded a penalty on 28 minutes and Gilbert was coolness personified from the placed ball, edging the westerners in front.

Leinster regrouped, however, and two penalties by Byrne regained the lead for the visitors.

Backed by a vocal home attendance, Connacht ended the half in a sprightly fashion and Gilbert’s second penalty ensured that the sides were level at the break on a scoreline of 13 points apiece.

One of the biggest cheers of the night occurred when Mayo’s Harry West crossed the whitewash for Connacht nine minutes into the new half, with Gilbert duly adding the conversion.

However, a seasoned Leinster didn’t panic and tries from RG Snyman and Charlie Tector helped establish a 27-20 lead for Leo Cullen’s troops.

Gilbert added a penalty for Connacht on 67 minutes but Leinster ended the game strongly, Ciarán Frawley claiming a touchdown before Byrne added the subsequent conversion.