Ben Afshar impressed for Warriors and was named player-of-the-match

Despite being without several of their first choice players, Warriors probably deserved their win over a Connacht side that will rue their inaccuracies in defence and attack.

Converted first-half tries from Sebastian Cancelliere and Ben Afshar as well as a penalty from Duncan Weir gave Glasgow a 17-5 lead at the break with David Hakwshaw crossing for Connacht's only points during that period, despte having enjoyed good spells of pressure and territory.

Glasgow's only points of the second period came from another Cancelliere try while Connacht's Hawkshaw and his centre partner Piers O'Conor went over for tries, both converted by JJ Hanrahan.

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith told Premier Sports: "It was tremendously gutsy. It's freezing in the stands, being out there... it was a horrible night.

"I'm very proud of the boys, they stuck in. It was a great Connacht side, they've played well in Europe lately and we knew they'd be tough and I'm glad we got the job done.

"The players who aren't involved every week live for this time of the year. They stepped up. A lot of the boys missed out on the URC final last year but this was their URC final.

"Ben is a quality player, he's got a good all-round skillset and we're excited about him. Fin Richardson and Patrick Schickerling did a great job for us in the first half. I'm excited about their growth. Alex Samuel keeps on growing, Euan Ferrie is playing well, Duncan Munn stepped up."

Smith told BBC Scotland: "A bunch of young players got their first run tonight and they stepped up to the plate when it was needed most. I'm so glad to see how they are progressing.

"To handle the pressure that comes with winning at home and the conditions is heartwarming.

"[Henco Venter] is very undervalued. He's been immense for us. He was the example of a senior pro tonight, to get the other guys to keep believing.

"The challenge tonight was not different to going to beat Munster in Limerick. To still get the job done is testament to the effort of the boys.

"We have to keep working hard every week at improving. We are still a long way from the product we need to roll out to progress."

Deputising captain Duncan Weir told Premier Sports: "It was a huge honour. I know every man and their dug is away, but it still is a huge honour and I loved it.

"The boys really delivered tonight. It wasn't the best conditions to play some of the rugby that we want to play, but we tried to do that in parts. It was a great squad effort, great heart and great desire.

"It's huge for their [youngsters] confidence. It's a long season running opposition plays and not getting a sniff. Tonight they stood up, fronted up."

Ben Afshar, the player of the match, told Premier Sports: "It's great to get that result. We talk about it being a full squad effort here. There's a lot of boys grafting away in the background. It's good to see so many taking their chance and to get the win is really special as well.

"As a scrum-half, you're always looking for the last pass. If you search enough you'll get it.

"He's always one of my captains, always looks after me and he's a good leader. It was good to see him leading the boys but he's always doing that behind the scenes as well."