Eric Elwood's men had won six of their last seven matches in all competitions but they trailed 14-10 at the break thanks to tries from Italy winger Kaine Robertson and hooker Gareth Krause, both converted by Tito Tebaldi.

Connacht had crossed the whitewash through Ray Ofisa with fly-half Ian Keatley kicking five points, but a penalty from Tebaldi and a drop goal from James Marshall had the hosts out to a 20-10 lead.

Keatley responded with a penalty of his own but South African winger Danwel Demas crossed for the home side’s third try to seal just a second win in all competitions during Aironi’s inaugural season.