English sides dominate in ECC

Bath winger Matt Banahan scored a hat-trick as his side set up a European Challenge Cup semi-final against Sale.

Bath took an early lead through an Olly Barkley penalty and he added the conversions after Banahan and full-back Nick Abendanon both crossed.

Leeds trimmed the gap to 17-5 at half-time through a Rob Vickerman try.

But Banahan completed his treble and Andrew Higgins, Barkley, who scored 22 points, Jonny Faamatuainu and Daniel Browne all crossed after the break.

Rico Gear helped Worcester book their place in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

Gear touched down twice in the first half, along with scores by Miles Benjamin, Sam Tuitupou and Craig Gillies as the Warriors dominated.

But Montpellier, who scored through Fulgence Ouedraogo and Vasco Uva in the first half, rallied after the break.

Tries from Fabien Rofes and Warren Britz made it a nervy finish for Worcester, but they managed to hold on.

In the final game of the day, Newcastle Falcons were pushed hard by Castres Olympique before eventually beating the French side 40-13.

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINALS

The semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, to be played on the weekend of 25 / 26 / 27 April, will be:

Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons
Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks