European Challenge Cup Saturday round up

Chris Ashton scored a hat-trick while Paul Diggin and Mark Easter both crossed twice in the ten-try victory. Bruce Reihana, Roger Wilson and Jon Clarke also added tries.

Matters were less straight forward in Pool Four for Newcastle who struggled at Overmach Parma before replacement John Rudd saved the Falcons with a late try, converted by teenager Rod Miller.

Danny Williams looked to have put Newcastle on course with a first half try before Scottish fly-half Barry Irvine kicked Parma into a surprise lead. The match ended 20-14 to the English team.

Connacht were also made to work hard for success in Italy, at Rovigo in Pool One, before Frank Murphy scored his second try to complete a 35-20 win. Viadana, Saracens rivals in pool Five, claimed a vital away win, 21-15 at Mont de Marsan.

In the evening match, Saracens laboured to a 16-6 win over Bayonne at the Stade Jean Dauger. Census Johnston's late try was the only time the whitewash was breached in a tense 80 minute cross-channel battle.