‘It was a good night for the west of Ireland’ – Pat Lam ‘disappointed’ after losing return to Connacht
Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam said he knew that if they gave Connacht opportunities they would pay the price against his former side as they crashed out of Europe.
It was a sobering return to Galway for Lam against the side he led to the only bit of silverware they have ever won.
“You have to be at your best when you come here but you make it even harder if you don’t play your best. We coughed up too much ball and Connacht put us under pressure. Huge congratulations to Connacht.
“We are all disappointed. You give Connacht opportunities, you don’t take your opportunities, you pay the price. It was a good night for the west of Ireland.”
Lam said the red card to lock Josh Caulfield after 13 minutes was a big factor after his boot made contact with Finlkay Bealham’s head, but said it was completely accidental.
“It was a complete accident. I just saw Finlay, thankfully he’s all good. It was 100% an accident. It does make it harder. It means you have to be more accurate and we weren’t. He was devastated and apologised to Finlay after.
“The officials look at it, they make their calls and you go with it. You win some, you lose some. It is what it is,” he added.
