The gulf between the haves and have nots was all too clearly illustrated at Keane Park, Athlone, last evening when newly promoted Richmond ran riot against a spirited Connacht. The London club, busy in the transfer market since their promotion, used almost 30 players from eight countries. On a perfect pitch and fine evening, they quickly took control to lead 25-0 at the end of the opening quarter. Their pace, passing and sheer power was too great for much lighter home province, who, despite tries by Nigel Carolan, Nicky Barry and Ray Southam, trailed 15-40 at half-time. The only other score was a late try by debutante New Zealander, Junior Charlie.

However, it was one of Richmond's lesser lights, Dominic Chapman, who was man of the match, his will o' the wisp play on the left wing yielding him seven tries. Richmond's other tries came from Moore, Corin Palmer, Mel Deane, Rob Hutton, Mathew Fitzgerald and two each from Pini and Spencer Brown.

Connacht: P Duignan; R Southam, M Murphy, N Barry, N Carolan; E Elwood, C McGuinness; J Maher, B Mulcahy, M Finlay, J Duffy, M O'Neill, R Rogers, M O'Reilly, B Gavin. Replacements: D Little, J Charlie, M Devine, D Reddan, O Ennis, O Cobbe, S Allnutt, S Jackman.

Richmond: M Pini; J Wright, M Hutton, A Bateman, D Chapman; A Davies, A Moore; J Foster, A Cuthbert, J Davies, C Quinnell, R West, C Palmer, R Martin, M Fitzgerald. Replacements: S Mason, M Deane, S Brown, B Harvey, D McFarland, D Compton, C Gillis, R Hutton, B Williams, E Vaaa.

Referee: D McHugh.