Connacht triumph in France
Connacht took control of Pool Two in the Amlin Challenge Cup with an impressive 22-19 victory in Montpellier.
Last Updated: 17/10/09 12:00pm
Connacht took control of Pool Two in the Amlin Challenge Cup with an impressive 22-19 victory in Montpellier.
The Magners League side trailed 16-10 at half time but battled back to make it two wins from two at the start of their European campaign.
Having defeated Worcester in the opening round of matches, Montpellier looked in control of the contest after the opening 40 minutes.
Ollie Smith crossed for the home side's only try of the night after 21 minutes, with Federico Todeschini adding the conversion.
The fly-half also knocked over three penalties before the interval having broken the deadlock with a second-minute drop goal.
Connacht stayed in touch, though, Fionn Carr crossing the line for a try that was converted by Miah Nikora, who had also landed a penalty.
Seized control
In the second half the visitors took control, Carr crossing again before Niva Ta'auso grabbed the all-important try just before the hour mark.
Ian Keatley managed to land one of the two conversions before Connacht were forced to cling on to their narrow lead in the closing stages.
Montpellier turned the screw in an attempt to re-take the lead but all they managed in the second 40 minutes was a penalty from Todeschini.
Elsewhere on Friday night, Montauban eased to a 27-10 win over Petrarca in Pool Five of the competition.
Tries from Silviu Florea, Jean-Emmanuel Cassin and Shannon Paku helped the home side run out comfortable winners, with fly-half Yohan Dalla Riva adding three conversions to a pair of penalties.
Opposite number Stefano Ambrosio scored all of Petrarca's points, converting his 18th minute try having already slotted over an early penalty.
