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European Challenge Cup: Wins for Leicester Tigers, Bristol Bears, Edinburgh and Scarlets

WORCESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Andy Forsyth of Leicester Tigers runs with the ball during the Premiership Rugby Cup match between and at Sixways Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Worcester, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Image: Andy Forsyth was among the try-scorers as Leicester won in Italy

Leicester made it four straight European Challenge Cup wins after they held out to defeat Calvisano 20-13.

Teenager Freddie Steward had given a much-changed Leicester side a flying start in their Pool 5 match at Pata Stadium with a try in the opening minute before the Italians, thrashed 59-7 a week earlier, responded through a penalty from Paolo Pescetto to trail 8-3 at the break.

But, after Tigers prop Greg Bateman had been sin-binned, Calvisano had lock Davide Zanetti shown a red card on the hour following an incident at the ruck. Andy Forsyth then crossed before Nephi Leatigaga's late try made sure of the win, with Calvisano gaining a bonus-point score through Anibal Panceyra-Garrido late on.

CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 07:  Owen Lane of Cardiff Blues drives through with ball during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 3 match between Cardiff Blues and Pau at Cardiff Arms Park on December 7, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)
Image: Owen Lane's hat-trick for Cardiff could not help them avoid defeat

Pau made the most of their rescheduled match against Cardiff Blues to win 34-29 at the Stade du Hameau after Friday's fixture had been put back on health and safety grounds following persistent, heavy rain.

After going behind early on, the hosts made up for lost time with three first-half tries to lead 24-7.

Although the Welsh side fought back as Owen Lane completed a hat-trick, it was not enough - but at least the bonus points keep alive some hope of progress.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Harry Thacker of Bristol Bears looks on during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate on November 01, 2019 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Image: Harry Thacker got the winning try for Bristol against Stade Francais

In Pool 4, leaders Bristol Bears scored a late try through Harry Thacker to complete a fightback and win 18-16 at Stade Francais.

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The hosts had been 10-8 in front at the break after Nicolas Sanchez's penalty added to a converted try from Waisea Nayacalev.

The bears kept themselves in touch through the boot of Callum Sheedy, with Thacker's converted score following a rolling maul after 77 minutes proving crucial.

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Edinburgh celebrate their victory during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 4 match between Wasps and Edinburgh Rugby at The Ricoh Arena on December 14, 2019 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Image: Edinburgh's players celebrate the win over Wasps

Edinburgh boosted their qualification chances for the knockout stage with a 9-7 win at Wasps following Jaco Van Der Walt's late penalty.

The Scottish side are now one point behind Pool 3 leaders Bordeaux, who beat Agen 33-6, ahead of their round five showdown at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Nizaam Carr's converted try had seen the English side ahead 7-3 at the break, but Edinburgh capitalised on a yellow card for Josh Bassett as South African Van Der Walt held his nerve with two decisive kicks to seal a hard-earned win, which finished Wasps' slim chances of progress.

LLANELLI, WALES - DECEMBER 14: Leigh Halfpenny of Scarlets scores his sides sixth try during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 4 match between the Scarlets and Bayonne at the Parc Y Scarlets on December 14, 2019 in Llanelli, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Image: Leigh Halfpenny goes over for his try for Scarlets against Bayonne

Saturday's late match in Pool 2 saw Scarlets run in six tries to sweep aside Bayonne 46-5 in testing conditions at Llanelli.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny added two penalties to his successful conversions - which included from his own late try for a match tally of 21 points.

The comfortable win puts the Welsh club four points behind leaders Toulon, who had earlier won 26-20 at London Irish - a result which all but ended the home side's hopes of qualifying as one of the best runners-up.

Following a try from Irish number eight Albert Tuisue, the French side made the most of some poor discipline as Anthony Belleau kicked four penalties.

London Irish captain Ruan Botha and Terrence Heptema were both sent to the sin-bin during the first half.

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