Border Reivers coach Steve Bates has warned the rest of the Magners League club not to underestimate Connacht, after his side fell to the westerners at home on Friday.

Bates was left frustrated as his charges lost their grip on a 9-6 interval, but fulsome in his praise for Michael Bradley's visitors who notched two second half tries from centres Gavin Williams and Paul Warwick.

Out-half Mark McHugh also booted 16 points to see the provinces sit joint-top of the league table after the first weekend.

Bates said: "I was very encouraged with the amount of pressure we put on Connacht, but we just made too many errors and gave the ball away.

"You've got to give Connacht some credit because they were put under pressure early on and they responded well. They've got a lot of good backs who made some good decisions and I think one mistake was the difference between the two teams.

"It's what we've said all week - you cannot and should not underestimate Connacht."

The westerners face the Ospreys next Friday in the first of six straight league games at home for them (The Sportsground, kick-off 6.30pm).