Bourgoin win relegation dogfight

Editor

Fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo kicked all 12 points for Bourgoin as they defeated Bayonne 12-6 in a critical Top14 relegation battle.

Fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo kicked all 12 points for Bourgoin as they defeated Bayonne 12-6 in a critical Top14 relegation battle.

13th-placed Bourgion welcomed 12th-placed Bayonne to Stade Pierre Rajon in what was always going to be a physical scrap considering the league positions of the team sides and the heavy weather did not help.

The game did not disappoint, with a defensive battle ensuing and not enough confidence from either side to force a try, leaving the kickers to do all the scoring.

Di Barnardo came out on top as he kicked three penalties and a drop-goal for the hosts, while Cedric Garcia kicked a penalty and Sebastien Farque slotted a drop-goal to answer for Bayonne.

At 9-3, Bayonne's chances all-but disappeared as New Zealand lock Ross Filipo was yellow carded just after the hour mark, and Di Bernardo's penalty soon after making it 12-3.

With a full compliment Bayonne reduced the deficit thanks to Garcia's penalty two minutes from time, but a late game-winning try never looked like coming.

The win sees Eric Catinot's Bourgoin side move out of the drop zone at the foot of the table and be replaced by Bayonne in 13th.