Challenge Cup: Bath keep play-off hopes alive with Glasgow Warriors stalemate, Toulon top Pool A and Bristol beat Perpignan

Glasgow Warriors’ seven-game winning streak ended on Friday evening in the Challenge Cup with their draw against Bath, while there were wins for Toulon and Bristol over Zebre Parma and Perpignan.

A late missed penalty from former Scotland international Duncan Weir meant that Glasgow and Bath played out a 19-all stalemate.

The draw means that Glasgow will finish in the top four of Pool A, securing a play-off place, while Bath will need Brive and Newcastle to lose if they are to progress.

Click here for teams and scorers

First-half tries from back-rowers Matt Fagerson and Sione Vailanu, both converted by Tom Jordan, gave Glasgow a 14-13 half-time lead. Piers Francis added two penalties and converted Chris Cloete’s try for Bath.

😤 Matt Fagerson on the charge; what a try! #ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/hqwGgLzHds

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 20, 2023

Glasgow winger Sebastien Cancelliere scored early in the second half to extend the Scottish side’s lead to 19-13. Orlando Bailey’s penalty in the 54th minute made it a three-point game, before replacement scrum-half Ben Spencer slotted a penalty to level the scores with seven minutes to play.

In a dramatic late twist, Weir had the opportunity to seize victory for Glasgow in the closing seconds but his shot at goal was wide. It was the first time in four group outings that Bath had avoided defeat and the two points keeps them in contention for a place in the next round.

Bristol crush Perpignan

Bristol completed the group phase with an immaculate return of four wins after crushing Perpignan 33-19 at Ashton Gate.

Despite having five match points deducted earlier this week for selecting an ineligible player, the hosts had already qualified, and they underlined their pedigree in the competition by running in five tries.

England prop Ellis Genge helped himself to a first-half brace, but Bristol was unable to score again after the break.

Toulon top Pool A

Toulon moved top of Pool A with a 14-5 win over Zebre Parma at Stade Felix Mayol.

The French were awarded a penalty try in the 30th minute, with winger Jiuta Wainiqolo scoring a stunning solo try just before half-time. Fly-half Ihaia West converted the score as Toulon led 14-0 at the break.

🔥🔥🔥 Jiuta Wainiqolo! #ChallengeCupRugby #RCTvZEBpic.twitter.com/Kpr8QfUF51

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 20, 2023

Zebre scored the only points in the second half when back-rower Taina Fox-Matamua scored a try with two minutes left on the clock.

READ MORE: Champions Cup: Ospreys stun Leicester Tigers to seal knockout spot while Lyon thump Bulls to keep their hopes alive