Another milestone in Connacht's rugby history. The once simplistic Connacht game-plan based on defence and counter-attack progressed to a new level in Galway's Corinthian Park yesterday when the western province overcame a first-leg, 15-point deficit to oust Narbonne from this season's Parker Pen European Challenge Cup, writes Linley McKenzie.

Although winning by the narrowest of margins on aggregate, 50-49, Connacht coach Steph Nel reckons his team accounted for themselves like they have never had to before.

"I said before the match it was time they took ownership and responsibility, because the buck stops with them, not anybody else," he said. "We put 27 points on them last week, and we really played some great rugby. We just gave away too much possession and we made them look good. Today, apart from two drop-goal attempts, we did not give them that amount of possession."

The victory was sweet revenge for being forced to exit last season's Euro campaign at the hands of the same opponents. Then, although the two finished level on aggregate with each winning their home legs, Narbonne went through on tries scored.

Yesterday, Connacht wiped out Narbonne's advantage by the break with two well-worked first-half tries from Darren Yapp and Marnus Uijs, conceding just one midway through the second half after dominating play for long periods.

"The total game is coming," said Nel. "No longer do we have to rely on a first-phase try, but we can take one, two, or three phases and keep control. The second try we scored today was certainly the best of my time in Connacht."

Once again Connacht's find of the season, John O'Sullivan, playing openside flanker ahead of Johnny O'Connor, was ruthless in the loose.

"Yes, he had another good day, but I also have to pay tribute to Shane Moore for captaining the side in difficult circumstances," said Nel. "Eric Elwood had his best game since Leinster, but really, everyone just pulled in together.

"It's another huge milestone in Connacht's history - to have reached two quarter-finals in one season. I am over the moon. It is certainly what we set out to achieve, but that said, I do not want it to end now."

Connacht now face a two-legged quarter-final with Pontypridd who posted a 19-19 draw with Leeds in Headingley on Saturday after winning the first leg.

It is the first time Connacht have reached the quarter-final since Warren Gatland took the side to Agen after becoming the first Irish side to win on French soil when they overcame Begles-Bordeaux.

Pontypridd inflicted Connacht's biggest loss this season when they recorded a 40-0 victory in this season's Celtic League.