Catania 28 Connacht 24: Connacht's European Challenge Cup hopes hang in the balance tonight after they were narrowly beaten in Italy.

Michael Bradley's side travelled to Italian club Amatori Catania needing five points, but returned with only two after the four-point loss.

The western province were struggling at half-time. Tries from winger Ted Robinson and backrower Colm Rigney gave them a handy lead, but the home side hit back through the boot of Barry Irving, who kicked two penalty goals and converted winger Mauro Commuzzi's try to give the home side a surprise 13-12 lead at the break.

The Italians went further ahead with another try to Commuzzi, but backrower Matt Lacey's five-pointer from a close-range lineout made it 20-19 on the hour mark.

Catania edged ahead with a third try, through backrower Alejandro Krancz, and Lacey's second effort was of no avail as Irving slotted a last-minute goal.

Connacht must now hope that Newcastle win in Brive and Bristol lose to Narbonne to give them a quarter-final spot as one of the best runners-up.