Connacht 47
Mont de Marsan 29
Connacht are safely through to the second round of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup following their 18 point victory over Mont de Marsan at Crowley Park this afternoon.
Marnus Uijs got the home side off to a flyer with an Eric Elwood converted try after five minutes.
Steph Nel's side soon extended that lead to 14-0 when Shane Moore powered over in the 17th minute. Elwood again made no mistake with the conversion.
The visitors reduced the gap to four points at one stage but Elwood remained composed in front of goal and again put distance between the sides by slotting over a penalty brace before the interval.
Connacht led 20-10 at half-time.
Connacht started the second half in explosive fashion and recorded two further tries inside four minutes through Colm Rigney and Uijs.
Mark McHugh's late try complemented an earlier penalty brace and rounded off a fine day for the home side. Alexandre Bouyssie scored a late consolation try for the visitors.