Clermont survives final fightback

[Burgs]

Well done Brock!

Clermont survives final fightback

From correspondents in London
May 20, 2007

CLERMONT Auvergne survived a spirited fightback from Bath to win the European Challenge Cup for the second time at Twickenham Stoop today (AEST).

The French trailed 3-6 at the break but clinched a 22-16 victory with tries from Julien Malzieu, Tony Marsh and Brock James.

Clermont had dominated play but lacked efficiency in finishing, letting four potential tries slip through its fingers before the break.

Bath lead at half-time thanks to penalties from England fly-half Olly Barkley after 13 and 37 minutes.

A try from winger Joe Maddock, converted by Barkley, lifted Bath spirits and only the video referee stopped Clermont conceding when Peter Short reached over.

Barkley kicked his third penalty of the night in the dying minutes off the game but could not reduce the deficit.

"We were probably lucky to come away with a win, to be honest," said Clermont's New Zealand centre, Tony Marsh. "There was desperate defending there at the end."

Bath captain Steve Borthwick added: "Courageous effort at the end. I'm proud of the boys. It hurts to lose any final but we've got to learn from it - we need to start from minute one - and come back stronger next season."

Clermont reclaimed the title it last won in 1999 and broke an English stranglehold on the event going back to 2001.

Agence France-Presse

[Mtbeaver]

Good on ya, Brock.

[Flat-top]

He played exceptionaly well and has forged a terrific partnership with Mignoni. Was difficult to accept another final defeat for Bath but the best team certainly won, worth a look if you can get sight of a torrent...lots of open rugby.