La Rochelle sink Sale as Harlequins edge out Bath in Champions Cup

La Rochelle bolstered their hopes of progressing in the European Champions Cup with a hard-earned 30-23 victory over Sale Sharks.

The Top 14 side were trailing 16-15 at half-time but then capitalised on indiscipline from Sale, who had Chris Ashton sent to the sin bin and Valery Morozov sent off midway through the second half.

Tries from Geoffrey Doumayrou and Gregory Alldritt turned the match around in the French outfit’s favour as they nudged up to second place in Pool Two, ahead of Glasgow Warriors.

In Friday’s other encounter, Harlequins claimed the bragging rights over Bath with a 25-19 triumph at The Rec.

92 metres, 9 carries and a try to his name. Tawera Kerr-Barlow is the @Heineken Man of the Match @staderochelais secured a bonus point win over @SaleSharksRugby #HeinekenChampionsCup match report  https://t.co/WHFjGrvEWg pic.twitter.com/njniq7nMTE

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 10, 2020

Brett Herron’s 10 points with the boot proved to be crucial, with his penalty 11 minutes from time helping see out the win after Jackson Willison’s try brought Bath within three points.

The victory moves Quins up to third place in Pool Three, though they trail second-placed Clermont by seven points. Bath sit at the foot of the group after five straight defeats.

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