Ollie Lawrence’s try saw Bath Rugby clinch a 17-10 victory at fellow EPCR Challenge Cup side Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.

Newcastle had led thanks to Adam Radwan’s incredible finish, but Ted Hill hit back for Bath before Lawrence went over for the crucial score.

Brett Connon’s late penalty snatched a losing bonus point for Falcons, but their slow start to the season will be a concern ahead of their EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A opener at Connacht Rugby on December 10.

Bristol Bears were the other EPCR Challenge Cup side in Premiership action on Saturday, losing 25-10 at home to Saracens, with Harry Thacker and Jono Benz-Salomon notching consolation tries.

In the TOP 14, Aviron Bayonnais provided further evidence of the threat they will pose in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup as they moved to sixth with a 25-20 win at ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Jason Roberston recorded a match tally of 12 points, including a second-half try, while Torsten van Jaarsveld and Thomas Acquier were Bayonne’s other try-scorers.

Meanwhile, Stade Français Paris slipped from second to fourth after league leaders Stade Toulousain recovered to snatch a 16-16 draw at Stade Ernest-Wallon.

Joris Segonds contributed 11 points for the EPCR Challenge Cup side, with Giovanni Habel Kuffner grabbing their solitary try.