SIXTEEN unanswered second-half points rescued Bath's Parker Pen Challenge Cup hopes after Beziers had threatened to take a commanding first leg lead in France.

Trailing 24-3 at the interval, the Zurich Premiership leaders prospects of advancing to a semi-final meeting with either Saracens or Montferrand looked bleak.

But three second-period penalties from Olly Barkley and his conversion of Simon Danielli's late try breathed new life into the tie.

In miserable conditions at the Stade Mediterranee, the home side were well on top in the early stages in front of a crowd of 2,500.

They had extended their lead to 21 points at the break on the back of tries from full-back Alain Bousquet and centre Guilluame Delmotte and a penalty try.

Bath's only response was a Barkley penalty.

But Barkley added two more goals early in the second half as Bath began to string passes together.

However, it was still the 75th minute before they breached the Beziers try-line.

Scotland winger Danielli scored in the corner, and Barkley's sideline conversion gave visiting fans hope of an unlikely triumph.

However, they had to be content with another Barkley penalty as the French defence held firm to inflict Bath's second defeat of the season.

Saracens' quarter-final tie is delicately poised after Montferrand posted a solid 26-10 victory in the first leg at home.

Harlequins crushed Brive 41-8, while Connacht managed an excellent 27-18 win at Narbonne.