Bayonne down champions
Bayonne continued their remarkable run in the Top 14 on Friday with a hard-fought 18-16 home win over defending champions Clermont.
Last Updated: 10/09/10 10:27pm
Bayonne continued their remarkable run in the Top 14 on Friday with a hard-fought 18-16 home win over defending champions Clermont.
Half-back duo Benjamin Boyet and Cédric Garcia stared for the hosts as they kicked all of Bayonne's points, including a drop goal each.
Clermont's Fijian try-machine Napolioni Nalaga was the only man to cross the whitewash - in the 52nd minute to give his side 167-12 lead - but the French champions were left to rue their numerous errors.
The crowd at Stade Jean-Dauger were treated to a grandstand finish as Garcia's 74th minute penalty bounced off the cross bar and over to hand the Basques a winning two point advantage.
Bayonne's win means they will finish the weekend at the summit of the Top 14 standings, unless Toulouse score a bonus point win in Biarritz on Saturday.
The home side's victory was based on their no-frills but highly effective gameplan and their kickers ability to capitalise on every opportunity.
It wasn't the prettiest of wins, as Bayonne were rather clumsy on attack, but they take the points to continue their stunning revival.
