Cruel blow for Saracens

Saracens suffered a cruel extra-time exit from the European Challenge Cup when they went down 31-16 in Brive yesterday, to lose 34-32 on aggregate.

The quarter-final second leg had been dramatically brought level at 29-29 on aggregate at the end of normal time when Yves Donguy's try in the fourth minute of stoppage time was converted by Valentin Courrent from the touchline.

That was painful enough for Sarries but then, after a Nicky Little penalty in response to a Brive pushover try early in the extra time period, Richard Haughton was denied a match-winning try in the dying seconds when referee Simon McDowell ruled that the ball had been held up as the wing plunged over the line.

Brive now play Pau, 50-47 aggregate winners over French compatriots Montferrand, while Sale, who overcame Agen 49-35, face Connacht.