Harlequins 27 Montferrand 26

Harlequins survived waves of Montferrand pressure at the Madejski Stadium in Reading to snatch victory in what was club legend Jason Leonard’s final competitive game.

Leonard racked up 36 appearances in European rugby during his illustrious career, and the former British and Irish Lions prop was introduced from the bench late on in a game that Montferrand will feel was there for the taking.

The French side were on top for large spells of the game, but Quins’ Gavin Duffy grabbed the opening try of the contest after Paul Burke and Anthony Floch had exchanged early penalties.

Montferrand’s dominant scrum saw them force themselves back into contention, winning a set piece against the head before Olivier Azam powered over.

A long-range drop goal from Montferrand fly-half Gerald Merceron opened up a five-point lead, but Burke responded with two penalties to edge Harlequins into a slender lead.

Froch had the final say in the first half though, adding another three points to put his side two-points to the good heading into the break.

Burke put Harlequins back in front with a penalty early in the second half, but Montferrand’s set piece prowess was evident once again as they grabbed their second try through scrum-half Pierre Mignoni.

‘Quins substitute Andy Dunne reduced the deficit to three points momentarily after he was on target from the tee, but Floch hit back with his third penalty of the game.

The momentum swung however following two rash moments from Montferrand Raphael Chanal, who was shown two yellow cards in quick succession.

With a numerical advantage, Harelquins produced their most effective rugby of the game, releasing Simon Keogh to score under the posts in the dying moments before Dunne’s conversion handed them a memorable victory.

Ahead of the return of this season’s competition, we’ve revisited some of the most exciting finals in Challenge Cup history, with Harlequins’ thrilling 27-26 win over Montferrand – who are now known as ASM Clermont Auvergne – in 2004 next on our list.