Michael Bradley’s side, whose three away wins this autumn included a 26-21 beating of today’s Scottish visitors at Netherdale, took a stranglehold in the early stages with two well-constructed scores.

Former Irish international wing Matt Mostyn stretched over the line after five minutes for their first score converted neatly by Eric Elwood on his return from injury.

Seven minutes later, Garryowen flanker Paul Neville touched down for Connacht’s second try, following an excellent lineout claim by John O’Sullivan. Elwood tagged on the conversion for a 14-0 lead by the half’s midpoint.

Borders, lying second from bottom, staged a comeback of sorts on 22 minutes when Scotland A centre Kevin Utterson crashed over for his third League try in four games.

Fullback Gareth Morton converted and he took his tournament points tally to 33 after 31 minutes, converting Andy Rennick’s try, with Elwood’s penalty hoof on 28 minutes being the difference at 17-14.

Neville’s second try, converted by Elwood, put a half-time gloss on the Sportsground scoreboard and the Connacht scoring groove was continued as early as the fourth minute of the second period.

UCD forward Tom Carter, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Monday, burrowed over for Connacht's fourth try following good work from lock Damien Browne.

With bonus point ensured, Bradley’s charges edged further in front with penalties from Elwood, substituted soon after, and McHugh before Morton got a consolation for Tony Gilbert’s Scots.

The sin-binning of Campbell Feather effectively killed off their challenge whilst Andrew Farrelly wrapped up Connacht’s win with a 70th minute try.

The in-form westerners travel next week to meet rivals Leinster at Donnybrook.

Scorers: Connacht: Neville 2 tries, Mostyn, Carter, Farrelly try each; Elwood 4 cons, 2 pens, McHugh 1 pen; Borders: Utterson, Rennick tries; Morton 2 cons

Connacht: McHugh; Mostyn, Yapp, Moore, Munn; Elwood, Walls; Hogan, Fogarty, Boiroux, Browne, Farley, Neville, Carter, O’Sullivan.

Replacements: Jackman, Clarke, McCarthy, Muldoon, O’Loughlin, Hewitt, Robinson.

Borders: Morton; Moir, Stuart, Utterson, Murray; Lidlaw, Armstrong; Todd, Scott, Dunlea, MacLeod, Stewart, Rennick, Kane, Feather.

Replacements: Landels, Cross, Weir, Walker, Cusiter, Fairley, MacRae.