Sport

Clermont back in reckoning

Montauban 19 Clermont Auvergne 24: MUNSTER HAVE been warned they will not have Pool One all their own way after Clermont Auvergne…

Mon Oct 20 2008 - 01:00

Montauban 19 Clermont Auvergne 24:MUNSTER HAVE been warned they will not have Pool One all their own way after Clermont Auvergne threw their hat back into the ring after winning this full-blooded French derby.

Clermont got their campaign back on track following defeat the previous week with a three-tries-to-one win at Stade de Sapiac.

Having been denied at Thomond Park by a late penalty last week, Montauban were sunk by a try from wing Napolioni Vonowale-Nalaga nine minutes from time. The score sparked a free-for-all in the in-goal area as Montauban's frustration told, though a second losing bonus point means they could yet have a say in the outcome of Pool One.

Victory for Clermont was reward for out-scoring their hosts three tries to one, all converted by Brock James. Vonowale-Nalaga showed his devastating pace to scorch over for his first try after just 120 seconds before flanker Audebert touched down in the 25th minute to open up a 17-9 lead.

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But when opposite number Antoine Battut scored a controversial try on 54 minutes, following four penalties by Montauban's Romanian scrumhalf Petre Mitu, a first Heineken Cup win was in their sights.

Montauban centre Yoan Audrin made a neat break before winning the race to his own kick-ahead; he appeared to fumble the ball as he gathered, but English referee Chris White waved play on, and flanker Battut swooped in to score close to the posts. Clermont's power told late on and following a series of thrusts, Vonowale-Nalaga was shoved over by the full force of his pack.

MONTAUBAN:J Dalla Riva; Y Audrin, J Viard , R Jahouer [capt], V Delasau; R Lespinas, P Mitu ; G Shvelidze , B Mach, N Adams, K Ghezal, R Frost , Y Caballero, A Battut, M Clarkin. Replacements: B Sa for Adams, S Murray for Frost (both 46 mins); A Boutaty for Caballero, 51 mins); L DelBoulbes for Shvelidze, 58 mins); F Fortassin for Viard (66 mins); G Parriel for Mach, 74 mins); J Audy for Mitu (77 mins)

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE:B Baby; N Vonowale Nalaga, G Canale, S Bai, J Malzieu; B James, P Mignoni; S Davison, B Cabello, J Roux, J Pierre, C Samson, J Bonnaire, A Audebert, E Vermeulen (capt). Replacements: T Domingo for Davison (30 mins); A Floch for Baby (34 mins); L Jacquet for Samson (54 mins)

Referee:Chris White (England)