Newcastle edge out Worcester in pulsating opener

The opening night of this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup produced an enthralling encounter as Newcastle Falcons battled to a 31-26 win over Worcester Warriors at Kingston Park.

A breathless start to the game saw Newcastle cross in a matter of seconds, but a flurry of tries before the half an hour mark saw Worcester wrestle control.

There was plenty more action to come, however, as Newcastle went over again to level in the final seconds of the first half, and after the two sides exchanged two further tries following the break, a missed conversion by Worcester’s Billy Searle would give the hosts a lead to cling onto over the closing stages.

Edinburgh shock Saracens

Three-time European champions Saracens came into their EPCR Challenge Cup opener with high hopes of winning the competition for a first time, but their campaign took an early setback as Edinburgh Rugby grinded out a 21-18 win at StoneX Stadium.

Ramiro Moyano Joya and WP Nel both crossed for the visitors, with Emiliano Boffelli slotting three penalties to keep Saracens, who notched tries through Alex Goode and Andy Christie, at bay.

Gloucester run in eight tries against Benetton

Round 2 produced more entertaining rugby, and Gloucester Rugby’s eight-try demolition of Benetton Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium was the pinnacle.

The hosts led by just one point at half time as Benetton went over twice to Gloucester’s three, but five second-half tries blew away the Italian side, who managed another score after the break to take the match total to a staggering 11.

Seven-try thriller between Dragons and Lyon

Another gripping Round 2 clash saw seven tries scored as Lyon overcame Dragons 41-28 at Rodney Parade.

Winger Ethan Dumortier notched a brace of tries for visitors Lyon, with fly-half Leo Berdeu another star man as he kicked three conversions and five penalties – including four in the last 20 minutes to push his side out of Dragons’ reach, as they went close to a remarkable comeback.

We’ve been treated to some epic moments across the opening two rounds of this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, and we’ve got four Christmas crackers lined up for you to re-live on the eve of Christmas Eve!