A TREMENDOUS first half display enabled Connacht to win their final European conference game of the season at the Galway Sports Ground on Saturday.

Connacht had an early boost when their right winger, Michael Kearin ran 50 metres for a try after he intercepted an intended pass by Peter Anglesea. Erie Elwood converted and followed up quickly with two more good penalties. But after 13 minutes Orrell left winger Jason Smith scored a try in the right hand corner, his side's only score of half.

Elwood had another good penalty, which motivated his teammates, and after 36 minutes second row, Graham Heaslip had a try which Elwood converted. Connacht led 23-5 at half-time.

Orrell started the second half well and reduced the gap with a penalty from Rob Hitchmough, but Connacht regained the initiative and they were awarded a penalty try a few minutes later when Nigel Carolan, was halted illegally. Elwood converted. A try each from Smith and Stuart Turner brought Orrell to within 12 points at the end.