JAMES GALLAGHER SUFFERED his first career defeat at the hands of Ricky Bandejas last night at Bellator 204.
The SBG bantamweight made his fight comeback – after more than a year out of action –in Sioux Falls on the televised event.
The Strabane native was vocal about his prospects in the trash-talk heavy build-up to the fight, but Gallagher was rocked in this first round by Bandejas and he completed the job with an impressive finish.
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
Complete Bellator 204 Main Card:
Featherweight Main Event: Darrion Caldwell (13-1) def. Noad Lahat (12-4) via TKO (punches) at 2:46 of round two
*Caldwell’s bantamweight title was not on the line
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Logan Storley (9-0) def. A.J. Matthews (9-8) via TKO (punches) at 3:56 of round two
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Ricky Bandejas (11-1) def. James Gallagher (7-1) via KO (strikes) at 2:49 of round one
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Tywan Claxton (3-0) def. Cris Lencioni (3-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
I am a massive Leinster fan but have to admit i am seriously excited about what Pat Lam and Connacht have been doing since end last season- they could be serious contenders to compete for that last qualifying spot and this is only good for Irish Rugby. Wish them well.
They seem to have built up a nice squad for themselves. They got their business done nice and early too which is always a good sign. I’d love to see them come up to the same level of the other provinces, it can only mean good things for the national team!
Hopefully Connacht can push on next season and with the quality signings I think they will. They will Improve up the league and have a good crack at the challenge cup.
Is Eoghan Masterson going to be at Connacht next season? He was impressive this year. Also, U20s player Sean O’Brien could be involved for the senior team.
Hi Peter,
Masterson will still be at Connacht, yes. He’s moving into his second year in the academy, so hopefully he can get more game time next season. Agree on O’Brien, he looked excellent for Ireland U20s in the Six Nations.
The 2nd row and outhalf depth would be a worry. Clarke is a huge loss and Roux wouldnt be a lineout performer. Who will have that responsibility now, M Kearney?
Also hope Carty can step up and be reliable for place kicks. Good signings made but good players lost too.
Fair play Niyi! A Templeogue Synge Streer Gfc player of the past.. im sure he’ll do very well with connaught
Looks like a good squad. I have to wonder who their silent benefactor is as they don’t get great crowds (or didn’t at the games I’ve been to) and their central funding is well below Leinster/Munster.
Although they don’t get the crowds of others. They have went from 1,200 – 1,500 average from 2006 – 2011 . . . up to 3,800 – 4,600 average over the past year or two. With big names that rises to 6,000 – 7,000 and on occasion 9,000 with big BIG ones.
If success comes, I imagine It will go like Leinster and Ulster did in their transformation ten years ago of similar numbers.
Ok excuse the horrific spelling but why is mils muliaina not on the list?
Hi Kieran, your spelling is spot on! Muliaina is on the list under ‘Fullbacks’.
Thanks bud sorry I didn’t see him there
Dan Parks was well past his best but without him they are looking underpowered at 10. Jack Carty has made a promising start but that is a lot of pressure to lump on a kid. With the calibre of what they have put together behind the scrum it would be a pity if the lack of a decent 10 meant it didn’t fire…. Did Shane O’Leary play outhalf also, he may have better chance of getting a game there….?
To me Connacht don’t look good. Too many names that are hard to pronounce!
Is Jack Dineen not part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?
Should Jack Dineen not be part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?