Northampton swept to an 18-try victory over Midlands neighbours Nuneaton in the English Cup fourth round yesterday, racking up an astonishing 118-3 win. Jon Sleightholme and Federico Mendez both scored four tries apiece and there were three for Harvey Thorneycroft.

Former England wing Sleightholme's tries came in just 30 minutes before he was taken off, while Nuneaton's only score came from a penalty by full back Marc Thomas.

There was a Cup upset when Darlington Mowden Park, the North Division Two club, the smallest left in the competition, beat Rosslyn Park - three divisions higher - 23-11.

Mowden Parks out-half and captain Kevan Oliphant was the star of the show with an 18-point haul from a try, two conversions and three penalties.

Bristol booked their fifth round place, but were far from impressive against last season's giant-killers Henley at the Memorial Stadium.

First-half tries from wings Sean Marsden and Luke Nabaro, followed by lock Ockert Booyse's close-range effort, secured Bristol's 23-9 victory, but Henley did manage to stage a spirited - though ultimately fruitless - fight-back after the break.

Exeter came close to an upset against London Welsh with a superb second-half performance, but ultimately fell 18-14.

The Exiles appeared in control at half-time after tries from Vaughan Going and Scott Roskell.

Two penalties and a try from wing Mark Woodman put Exeter back in the game but the west countrymen ultimately fell short of their target.

Coventry made heavy weather of beating their opponents Bracknell from National League One.

They did enough to win through to the fifth round 33-10 but it was an unconvincing display, though tries from hooker Dave Addleton, Lee Crofts, prop Michael Mika and lock Glenn Delaney ensured there would be no red faces.