Join the Connacht Rugby WhatsApp channel
Stay up to date with the latest news
Connacht 24
Southern Kings 12
John Porch scored two tries as Connacht moved to within a point of Conference B leaders Munster with a hard-fought victory against Isuzu Southern Kings.
The Australian winger crossed once in each half, while further scores from Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham settled a bonus-point win.
The Kings stay bottom of the Conference with just a single win this season, but they impressed at the Sportsground and scored two tries through Erich Cronje and Scott van Breda.
Connacht, who arrived with four wins from six league games, started impressively, with Ireland international centre Aki powering over in the 12th minute.
But the Kings, filled with confidence from securing their first ever Guinness PRO14 away win at Ospreys last time out, hit back as centre Cronje wrestled his way over four minutes later.
However, Connacht boast great forward power and they moved back ahead mid-way through the first half thanks to tries from prop Bealham and winger Porch.
The Kings hit back on the stroke of half-time through full-back Van Breda, who only joined on loan from Worcester Warriors this week.
After camping near the Connacht line, the Kings moved right and Van Breda dotted down after stepping up to collect a flat pass.
Connacht strengthened their advantage early in the second half, as Conor Fitzgerald and Aki combined to release Porch, who sprinted in for his second try in the corner.
No more points were scored in a lacklustre second half but that won’t matter to the hosts, who got the job done.
John Porch underlined just why Connacht decided to take him to Galway. With two predatory tries, the wing made the difference as the Irish province once again showed how dangerous they will be this season.
Next up for Connacht is back to back Champions Cup games against Gloucester with the English Premiership side coming to the Sportsground on the 14th of December - For tickets click here
Connacht Scorers - Tries: John Porch (2), Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham. Conversions: Conor Fitzgerald (2 from 4)
Connacht: Matt Healy, Niyi Adeolokun, Kyle Godwin (Peter Robb), Bundee Aki, John Porch, Conor Fitzgerald (Jack Carty), Caolin Blade (Angus Lloyd), Denis Buckley (Matthew Burke), Tom McCartney (Shane Delahunt), Finlay Bealham (Dominic Robertson-McCoy), Ultan Dillane (Joe Maksymiw), Quinn Roux, Eoghan Masterson, Colby Fainga’a, Paul Boyle (Jarrad Butler).
