Challenge Cup: Saturday round-up

Harlequins crushed Calvisano, Sale beat Castres, while Brive and Zebre posted easy wins in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Wales international Jamie Roberts scored on his debut as Harlequins secured a crushing 59-7 victory against Calvisano at The Stoop.

The hosts racked up nine tries - seven of which were scored in the second-half - to all but secure their progress through to the quarter finals from Pool Three.

Marland Yarde and Kyle Sinckler scored for Quins in the opening period to ensure a narrow 14-7 lead at the interval.

But the hosts then ran riot in the second-half, with Jack Clifford, Ross Chisholm, Roberts, Charlie Walker, Ben Botica Tim Swiel and Karl Dickson all on the score sheet in a thumping victory.

In Pool Two, Sale Sharks recorded a challenging 31-10 win over Castres.

Joe Ford put Sale nine-points clear at the interval after three first-half penalties in tricky conditions at the AJ Bell Stadium.

And, while the French side threatened a comeback after Johnnie Beattie crossed, tries from Viliami Fihaki, Neil Briggs and Johnny Leota in the second-half secured the victory.

Elsewhere, in Pool One Brive ran out comfortable 33-3 winners over Enisei-STM, while Zebre beat Atlantique Stade Rochelais 25-5 in their Pool Four encounter.

Newport Gwent Dragons produced an inspired display to secure a bonus-point 34-17 victory in Pau.

Cory Hill, Ashton Hewitt and Jason Tovey all crossed over in the first half to give the Welsh side a 24-0 lead at the interval before Carl Meyer scored a fourth in the second.

While the hosts responded with three tries of their own after the break, the Dragons were always in control of an impressive win.

The victory leaves the Dragons two points clear of Sale Sharks in Pool 2 and firmly on course to reach the quarter-finals.