European Challenge Cup: Brive 31-38 Connacht

Brive are unable to halt Kieran Marmion as the Connacht scrum-half sprints in for a try

Connacht made it three wins out of three Challenge Cup games as they fought back to beat Brive in France.

Tries from Mike Tadger, Florian Cazenave and Julien Brugnaut helped Brive into a 19-3 lead.

Ultan Dilane's try sparked the comeback and Kieran Marmion also went over as Connacht trailed 19-17 at half-time.

Brive led 24-20 after a Tadger try but Connacht moved in front with Jack Carthy and Cian Kelleher tries and held on after a late Guillaume Namy effort.

The hosts outscored Connacht five tries to four and it was Carty's four penalties that proved decisive for the Irish team.

Worcester Warriors had a short stay at the top of Pool 5 after beating bottom side Oyonnax 35-14 earlier on Saturday.

The bonus-point win for Connacht leaves them three points clear of Worcester at the halfway mark in the pool.

Brive: Germain; Megdoud, Galala, Petre, Namy; Laranjeira, Cazenave; Brugnaut, Tadjer, Bamba; Snyman, Uys; Luafutu, Waqaniborutu, Hauman (capt).

Replacements: Martin, Chauvac, Johnston, Marais, Sanconnie, Delarue, Mafi, Ugalde.

Connacht: O'Halloran; Kelleher, Ahki, Aki, Healy; Carty, Marmion; Buckley, Delahunt, Bealham; Dillane, Roux; Gallagher, Masterson, Muldoon.

Replacements McCartney, McCabe, Carey, Cannon, Connolly, Mitchell, Farrell, Leader.