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European Rugby Challenge Cup: Wins for Exeter, London Irish and Gloucester

Saturday proved a good day for Aviva Premiership sides in the European Rugby Challenge Cup, with wins for Exeter Chiefs, London Irish and Gloucester.

Exeter Chiefs maintained their grip on the top of European Challenge Cup Pool 2 with a comprehensive 41-17 victory over La Rochelle at Sandy Park.

The Chiefs ran in five tries courtesy of Kai Horstmann, Greg Bateman, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Tom James, Adam Hughes, with a penalty try and four conversions and a penalty kicked by Ceri Sweeney sweeping aside the visitors.

Andy Fenby scored two tries for London Irish as they defeated Cardiff Blues 34-23 in Pool 1 to move top on points difference.

Shane Geraghty also crossed for the Exiles, with Tom Homer kicking five penalties and two conversions as Brian Smith's Irish gained revenge for their Arms Park defeat last weekend.

Cory Allen and Gareth Anscombe touched down for Cardiff, with Anscombe also kicking three penalties and both conversions.

Gloucester's perfect start in Pool Five continued as they recorded a 32-16 triumph over Guinness PRO12 side Zebre in Italy.

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Stephen McColl, Henry Purdy, Charlie Sharples and Ben Morgan all crossed the whitewash in a bonus-point win for the 'Cherry and Whites'.

James Hook kicked nine points and replacement fly-half Billy Burns also kicked a penalty, while Giovanbattista Venditti and Dries van Schalkwyk scored consolation tries for Zebre in the final quarter.

Meanwhile, Rovigo fell to a 20-17 home defeat by Grenoble to remain rock bottom of the Pool 1 standings.

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