Cooney powers Connacht to 18-7 victory over Cardiff Blues

Connacht 18 - 7 Cardiff Blues, Galway

Scrum-half John Cooney contributed with 13 points as Connacht completed a 18-7 win over Cardiff Blues in their Pro 12 encounter in Galway on Friday.

Cooney scored a try as early as in the 15th minute of the game and converted it as well to take Connacht to a seven-point lead which was negated soon when Cardiff Blues wing Tom James crossed over in the 17th minute and fly-half Steve Shingler adding the conversion.

The Blues had their moments when full-back Dan Fish narrowly missed on a try.

A successful penalty kick in the final minute of the first half saw Connacht take a three-point lead into half time.

On resumption, Cooney extended Connacht's advantage with another penalty in the 49th minute and seven minutes later centre Bundee Aki touched the line to ensure 11-point lead for the home team whereas the Blues went pointless in the second half.

This was Connacht's third victory of the season which saw them moved to the eighth position while Cardiff Blues are placed at seventh.

The Blues will take on Ulster next at Cardiff Arms Park while Connacht will lock horns with Benetton Treviso at Sportsground in their next round on 3rd December.