Connacht 15 - Glasgow Warriors 8:Connacht secured their first Magners League win of the season with a touch of brilliance, a little luck and lot of character tonight.
While Glasgow, dominant in territory and possession, wasted chances - sometimes, but not always, due to sterling defence - Connacht where altogether more clinical near the try line.
An early penalty from Dan Parks was all the Scots had to show for their absolute dominance in the opening quarter. But Thom Evans took advantage after Gavin Duffy failed to deal with a high ball and Warriors winger race over from 40 metres out to give his side an 8 — 0 led after 22 minutes.
It was a meagre return as Parks struck a post with the conversion having earlier missed a penalty. After two more kickable penalty chances were missed, the Scottish international was hauled ashore in the second half.
The turning point of the game came when Connacht fullback Fionn Carr scooped up a misdirected pass and scarpered fully 70 metres to put give the westerners back in contention. Ian Keatley added the conversion.
And with only their second incursion into the Warriors' 22 moments later, Connacht were over the try line again. Brett Wilkinson powered over after a good move off a swift break by scrumhalf Frank Murphy set up a ruck.
Keatley's conversion attempt also hit off the post but ran in at the break with a 12 — 8 lead that was seemed unlikely for the first half hour.
They made a bright statrt ot the second half but for a knock on could have had a third try. But Glasgow's dominance emerged again but this time Connacht put stiff resistance, especially when they won a series of penalties when camped on their own line.
As the half developed Glasgow began looking demoralised and resorted to turning down kicks at goal in favour of tilts at the try line.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IMNWKIX5DFFCFE5CD5NLBU6EVY.png)