ASM Clermont Auvergne 22 Bath Rugby 16 We mark ASM Clermont Auvergne’s return to the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2018/19 after 11 consecutive seasons in the European Cup with a look-back at their last continental honour. That came at the Twickenham Stoop, where the 2007 final started slowly but reached a thrilling climax and could have gone either way until Welshman Nigel Owens blew for time. The French side dominated the first half, but it was Bath who led at the break thanks to two penalties from centre Olly Barkley against one from Clermont Auvergne’s Australian fly-half, Brock James. However, the French side, who had won the trophy as Montferrand in 1999, did not waste any of their second-half possession, running in three tries between the 43rd and 59th minutes through wing Julien Malzieu, centre Tony Marsh and James, who converted two. Vern Cotter's side looked home and dry at 22-6 ahead, but Bath, inspired by a raft of replacements, had other ideas and pulled seven points back through a 63rd-minute try from wing Joe Maddock converted by Barkley. When Barkley kicked a 75th minute penalty, it was game on and Marsh had to pull off a superb tackle to deny Bath full-back Nick Abendanon (who moved to the TOP 14 club in 2014), before lock Danny Grewcock knocked on with the line at his mercy in the closing stages.