It has been a memorable 2018 for the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a number of highlights. Here are some of our favourites. January There was a long list of permutations for a quarter-final spot going into Round 6, but it was simple for Brive: secure a bonus-point victory over Worcester Warriors and a place in the last eight is yours. They left it late, with Fijian Jerry Burotu crossing in the 79th minute for Brive’s fourth try and handing the French side a quarter-final spot. March Stade Français Paris have a rich history in European club rugby and travelled to Pau with another semi-final in sight, but it was Pau’s turn to fly the flag for France as the country’s only remaining side in the tournament. With former All Black Conrad Smith in their ranks, Pau hung on for a 35-32 win despite a late surge from the Parisians. April Newcastle Falcons travelled to English Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby with hopes of reaching their maiden European final, but it was the West Country side who prevailed 33-12. Gloucester gave a sensational second-half performance, scoring all their 33 points then to reach their third Challenge Cup final in four seasons. May It was a memorable night in Bilbao for Cardiff Blues, whose superb comeback in the Challenge Cup final will be remembered in the Welsh capital for years to come. The Blues went into the last five minutes 30-23 down, but Blaine Scully’s wonderful try gave Gareth Anscombe a chance to level the scores. The fly-half missed, but he made amends soon afterwards with a penalty to clinch the trophy and a place in the 2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E_FKkKdUk0 October Not many sides travel to France and come away with five points, but that was exactly what Worcester Warriors achieved when they defeated Stade Français 38-27 at the Stade Jean-Bouin. Australian fly-half Jono Lance inspired the English club to a bonus-point win and inflicted only Stade Francais’ fourth loss at home in the pool stage of the Challenge Cup in 27 games. It was also the Warriors’ first away win in the competition in 12 matches. December La Rochelle hosted Bristol Bears aiming to put one foot in the quarter-finals after defeating the English side 35-22 at Ashton Gate. However, Bristol arrived in France with revenge in mind and pulled off an historic 13-3 win over the French club. The game’s only try, scored by veteran back-rower Jordan Crane, and eight points off the tee from Callum Sheedy gave Bristol the win and in the process kept their Challenge Cup hopes alive with two matches left in the group stage.