Pool rivals enjoy some improved form

NONE of Connacht Challenge Cup rivals lost last weekend, but both of the French clubs in their pool – who meet this weekend – drew their matches.

Next up for Kieran Keane’s side is a clash with Brive at Stade Amédée-Domenech, and their 27-27 draw away to Bordeaux was an impressive result.

After trailing 10-0 early on, Brive got back in the match thanks to two Benjamin Lapeyre tries, while Benito Masilevu and Arnaud Mignardi struck either side of half-time. In the end Bordeaux needed Matthieu Jalibert’s penalty eight minutes from time to clinch a draw.

Oyonnax also earned a share of the spoils last weekend, and thanks for their 32-32 draw with Clermont can be laid firmly at the feet of Ben Botica.

Botica kicked six penalties, ran in a try before half-time and clinched a draw when he converted Axel Muller’s 76thminute try. They make the trip to Brive this weekend in a real relegation battle, which pits second last Brive against the league’s bottom team.

And in the English Premiership there was plenty to celebrate for Worcester Warriors, who won for the first time at Welford Road in a 31-27 triumph over Leicester Tigers.

Early tries from Alafoti Faosiliva and Josh Adams set the tone, while Adams ran in his second before the interval. Jack Singleton and Ryan Mills also scored for Warriors, who pull five points clear of last-placed London Irish with the win.