European Challenge Cup Thurs 19th Nov

Cardiff Blues 20-32 Harlequins

Harlequins have come from behind to record an ultimately straightforward 32-20 win over Cardiff Blues in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Cardiff Arms Park. 

A tense first half saw just nine points shared out between the two competitors, Rhys Patchell and Ben Botica scoring two and one penalties respectively to put Blues 6-3 up at the break. 

The action picked up after the restart, however, as tries from Tim Visser, Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Charlie Walker helped the visitors to a seemingly insurmountable lead after 65 minutes played. A penalty try for the hosts in the 69th minute appeared to bring about the chance of a comeback, but with time running out, a straight red card for Matthew Rees gave Quins the edge. 

Sam Hobbs crossed over in the 79th minute to make for a nervy finish, but Danny Care notched up a try of his own moments later to give his side an ultimately comfortable win. 


Stade Rochelais 20-33 Gloucester

Gloucester Rugby withstood a spirited Stade Rochelais performance to secure a 33-20 victory in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. The visitors were quick off the mark as Greig Laidlaw slotted a penalty after just two minutes, but the French side countered with a kick of their own two minutes later. 

Gloucester then crossed over through Ben Morgan, but again La Rochelle remained hot on their heels when Julien Audy notched up a try in the ninth minute. Laurie Fisher's charges ended the first half 19-13 up after lack of discipline from the hosts allowed Laidlaw to score a further three penalties, but they were to fall behind when Jason Eaton crossed over just after the restart and Fabien Fortassin converted. 

Nevertheless Glos were able to get back in front and ultimately ended the game 11 points clear after Steve McColl and Charlie Sharples ran in two more tries.