Sunday wrap up
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Champions Cup
Clermont came away with what was a very dominating win over Exeter. The French side took a while to get going but once they did they proved impossible to stop. Tries from Strettle and Lapandry saw the home side take a comfortable lead into HT. Following the break Clermont continued where they left off and dominated the break down, starving Exeter of possession. Both sides are now level on points in Pool 2 and sit 2 points behind Ospreys.
Leicester came away with the all important victory after a 17-6 win over Munster. This was a typically tight European affair, with just 4 points between the sides at half time. Munster started the second half the better and could so easily have scored through a Saili burst, he was caught just short of the line by Veainu, allowing Leicester come back and score a try of their own just minutes later. That was enough to secure victory, leaving Leicester on the verge of qualification. Munster will need some huge performances if they are to qualify for the knock out stages once again.
Challenge Cup
Very much a game of two halves at Kingston Park where Newcastle ran out emphatic winners. The Falcons took the lead through Watson when he ran in from 60 metres against the run of play but Connacht, who had dominated possession, were eventually rewarded when Danie Poolman got over in the corner. Newcastle came out with all guns blazing in the second half and were aided by both a penalty try and sin binning of Eoghan Masterson who was guilty of a cynical tackle close to the line.
The Falcons made sure to take advantage of the extra man when Belisario Agulla got over in the corner five minutes later. Another penalty try sealed the bonus point and man of the match Marcus Watson capped off a fine performance with his second try. The effects of Connacht's injury crisis was very apparent today and they will have to recuperate before they face up against Ulster next week in the Pro12. Newcastle go level on points with Brive in the group and will see this victory as a great opportunity to take top spot off Connacht in the final two games in January.