Northampton and Worcester through to Challenge Cup semis
Northampton and Worcester reach European Challenge Cup semis
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Saturday, 11, Apr 2009 09:48
Guinness Premiership sides Northampton and Worcester have advanced to the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup after recording home wins.
Tries from Neil Best, Joe Ansboro, Bruce Reihana and Chris Mayor saw Northampton cruise to a 42-13 victory over Connacht at Franklins Gardens.
And a brace from Marcel Garvey at Sixways Stadium saw Worcester book their place in the semis with a 29-18 win against Brive.
Northampton may have crossed the whitewash four times in the second half but it was Stephen Myler's clinical kicking that spurred the Saints to victory over Magners League outfit Connacht.
Myler converted six consecutive penalties to leave Northampton facing a semi-final clash with either Saracens or Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Garvey's tries in the 11th and 70th minutes helped Worcester to a bruising win against Top 14 side Brive.
The former Gloucester winger sprinted from 40 yards to claim the first try of the game after seizing a loose ball in the first half before sealing the Worcester win on 70 minutes after a fine step from the Brive 22.
Pat Sanderson and Alex Grove also scored for the home side, with Matthew Jones kicking three conversions and a penalty, while a Ronnie Cooke double, Alexis Pallison conversion and penalties from Pallison and Andy Goode were not enough for visiting Brive.
"It was a great game to watch but it was a nerve-jangling for the coaches," Worcester coach Mike Ruddock told the BBC after the victory.
"It was a great start from us but with two tries [for Brive] - one before half-time and one just after - the initiative was back with them and I was concerned.
"But we tackled hard and a bit of brilliance from Marcel got us home."
Worcester will face Bourgoin, who defeated London Irish 32-30, in the semi-finals, to be played in the first weekend of May.