Connacht gave a good account of themselves against the lively Glasgow side at Sterling last night. The hosts boasted no fewer than eight full internationals and a Lion in their squad.

After a thrilling first half, the visitors trailed 18-13, and had scored the try of the match through Nigel Carolyn from his own deft kick ahead. Owen Cobbe slotted the conversion as well as two earlier penalties.

For Glasgow, Craig and Stark both touched down, with out-half Hayes adding the other points with his boot. In the second half, despite the promptings of full back Willie Ruane, Connacht were rarely seen in attack. Their spirited tackling restricted Glasgow to one further try, Simpson crashing over from close in for Hayes to add a conversion to his earlier third penalty.

Glasgow: Sheppard; Craig, Simmers, Collins, Stark; Hayes, Stott; Smith, McKenzie, Anderson, Grimes, Perrett, White, Simpson, Shaw.

Connacht: Ruane; Southam, Duignan, Murphy, Carolan; Cobbe, McGuinness; Maher, McVeigh, Finlay, Heaslip, Duffy, Casserley, McEntee, Dillon.