Clermont hold off Toulon
Clermont secured a 19-12 victory against Toulon in a bad-tempered Top 14 contest at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Friday.
Last Updated: 04/03/11 11:32pm
Clermont secured a 19-12 victory against Toulon in a bad-tempered Top 14 contest at Stade Marcel-Michelin on Friday.
In a match marred by a number of serious punch-ups, Clermont led from start to finish but had to work very hard to maintain their unbeaten record at home this season.
Referee Patrick Pechambert pulled out three yellow cards in total but he could easily have shown the red more than once.
Toulon did manage to outscore their hosts two tries to one to claim a precious losing bonus point in the race for the play-offs.
The visitors were made to pay for their own indiscipline as Morgan Parra kicked three penalties and a drop goal to see Clermont home.
Parra took Clermont to a 6-0 lead with a penalty and drop gaol but Toulon were first to cross the try-line through centre Fotu Auelua.
However, Parra's boot ensured that Clermont had a 12-5 lead at the half-time interval.
Toulon dominated the possession and territory but Clermont need just once chance to snatch victory when Aurelien Rougerie chipped ahead, Julien Bonnaire chased before dribbling soccer-style past Rudi Wulf to collect and crash over.
A late try for replacement Romain Barthelemy gave Toulon the vital losing bonus point.
