Biarritz edge Toulon
CHALLENGE CUP SATURDAY WRAP: The EPCR Challenge Cup produced some entertaining contests as the pool stage concluded and the Round of 16 fixtures were confirmed.
Tries from Tomás Albornoz and Corniel Els saw Benetton Rugby secure a crucial 17-7 win at home to USAP in Pool B, confirming their qualification for the knockout stage, where they will face a trip to RC Toulon.
Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti dotted down late on for Newcastle Falcons as they snatched a 25-22 Pool A triumph over Zebre Parma at Kingston Park, teeing up a home Round of 16 encounter with Glasgow Warriors.
Newcastle had trailed heading into the final minute of the game, but tries from Trevor Davison, Luther Burrell and George McGuigan had put them within striking distance.
Biarritz Olympique set up a home tie against Wasps in the Round of 16 by notching a 20-17 success against Toulon, who were assured of top spot in Pool A prior to kick off. Efforts from Steeve Barry, Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani saw Biarritz claim third place in the pool.
Pool B outfit Gloucester Rugby, another side already through to the Round of 16 ahead of Saturday’s games, battled to a 26-21 win at Dragons thanks to a Santiago Socino try hat-trick and a further score from Louis Rees-Zammit. They now welcome Northampton Saints.
The Round of 16’s other ties will see Lyon host Worcester Warriors and London Irish entertain Castres Olympique.
Saturday’s scores and scorers:
Benetton 17-7 USAP
The scorers:
For Bennetton
Tries: Albornoz, Els
Cons: Albornoz 2
Pen: De Re
For USAP:
Try: Sawailau
Con: Rodor
Biarritz 20-17 Toulon
The scorers:
For Biarritz:
Tries: Barry, Speight, Kuridrani
Cons: Bosch
Pen: Bosch
For Toulon
Try: Salles
Pens: Belleau 4
Newcastle Falcons 25-22 Zebre Parma
The scorers:
For Newcastle Falcons:
Tries: Davison, Burrell, McGuigan, Nordli-Kelemeti
Con: Connon
Pen: Connon
For Zebre:
Try: Andreani
Con: Andreani
Pens: Rizzi 5
Dragons 21-23 Gloucester
The scorers:
For Dragons:
Tries: Basham, Rosser, Keddie
Cons: Davies 3
For Gloucester:
Tries: Socino 3, Rees-Zammit
Cons: Barton, Twelvetrees 2
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