MY EURO AWARDS

TRY OF THE SEASON

Scarlets’ Rhys Patchell sparked a counter-attack from deep in his own half against Bath and the sweeping raid was rounded off by lock Tadhg Beirne side-stepping Anthony Watson.

SHOCK RESULT

Saracens cleared piles of snow to play Clermont Auvergne, but they were left wishing the fixture had been abandoned, as a dazzling hattrick by Alivereti Raka propelled the visitors to a 46-14 win.

GOOD MOVE

Taking the finals to Bilbao was a gamble which paid off. The San Mames Stadium is a great modern arena, and its central location and the transport infrastructure were positive factors. Shame about rip-off hotel prices.

TOP COMMUNICATOR

It is inexcusable that most Englishspeaking referees can’t offer at least a basic few phrases in French when officiating games, so JP Doyle has set a new standard by learning French to be better understood. MOST STYLISH ENTRANCE Racing 92 used to play in bow ties and drink champagne on the pitch at half-time. The latter habit was revived this season and on Saturday the Racing players ran on for the Champions Cup final wearing berets.

TOP ENTERTAINERS

The Scarlets edge this one, ahead of La Rochelle. Their performance in a 35-17 victory at Bath in December was so daring it drew acclaim from home fans.

COSTLIEST COLLAPSE

Wasps were in control against Harlequins at the Stoop — leading 28-12 and on course for the quarter-finals. But they fell apart to lose 33-28, which meant no knockout place.

BIGGEST FLOPS

Harlequins, Leicester and Northampton, who mustered one win apiece from their six pool fixtures. For Tigers and Saints, it was a grim sign of their steep slide down the European pecking order.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Tonga prop Taufa’ao Filise became a Challenge Cup winner for Cardiff at the age of 40. Head coach Danny Wilson hailed Filise, who joined the region in 2006, as ‘phenomenal’.

BEST CLIFFHANGERS

The two finals — with Gareth Anscombe striking in the last minute for Cardiff. Isa Nacewa’s shot for Leinster glory came just as late.