Connacht 18 London Irish 19
London Irish spoiled Connacht's party at the Sportsground tonight, defeating the province in a match which marked the offical opening of the new Connacht headquarters at the ground.
The visitors won by just a single point with all of the scoring coming in a very good first-half during which Connacht enjoyed the bulk of the possession but were punished with two breakaway tries.
Mark McHugh edged Connacht in front after less than two minutes and added another penalty after seven minutes after Ed Thrower had crossed for London Irish.
Kevin Barrett scored Irish's second try, which Barry Everitt converted, after 20 minutes to increase their lead to 12-6.
But Connacht, unlucky not to finish several good moves, went in front after 32 minutes with a superb Darren Yapp try which McHugh converted.
Paul Sackey broke for a London Irish try five minutes from the break but there was just the minimum between the sides at the interval when Michael Swift scored Connacht's second try.
Both sides defended excellently in the second-half of what was a very good workout for both sides. Connacht continue their preparations for the new season when they take on Munster at the Sportsground on Friday (kick-off 4 pm).