All over at the Stade Charles Mathon and Oyonnax take the points! A last minute try from Clermont's Ben Stanley was not enough to breach the gap between themselves and the hosts resulting in Oyonnax grabbing their first win of the season. A clinical display from start to finish meant that the Auvergne side were never really within touching distance. An excellent performances from Urdapilleta with both boot and hand guided the home side to a well deserved victory. This win will send out warning signals to other teams that Oyonnax are no push over at their home ground and I look forward to future games at this venue. As for Clermont, they scraped past Biarritz last week and have now fallen to what were supposed to be the "weakest" team in the division. Cotter and his back room team will have to reassess the situation over the coming weeks as they attempt to get their star studded side back into the swing of things. That's all from us here now but please tune in again soon! All the best. UR
TRY OYONNAX. By no means are Oyonnax backing down in this match as Ursache crosses the line following some hard running from the tight 5. Initially the referee required the assistance of the TV match official but his question was soon answered. Only 3 minutes later the men in red were denied another as Denos lost the ball over line the line following a delightful cross field ball or Urdapilletta
Jenneker sinbinned for cynical play at the break down in an attempt to slow the Clermont onslaught. Clermont continue to tighten their control on the tempo of the game.
TRY CLERMONT. Clermont seem a rejuvenated side after what I would guess was a little hair dryer treatment from Cotter at half time! Within 3 minutes of the start the start of the second half Vosloo picks the ball the back of the ruck 5 metres out to cross with relative ease
It's half time here at the Stade Charles Mathon and can you believe that, Oyonnax lead Clermont by 20 points to nil! Oyonnax look a completely different outfit to only 7 days ago as they've really taken it to the French giants. Clermont haven't really gotten a look in at all as the newly promoted side played all the rugby for the the 40 minutes. Despite an early miss for Urdapilleta he has been ruthless with the boot, converting both trys and adding a penalty and drop goal to his tally. Oyonnax showing massive passion and determination in first half with Clermont simply having no answer. Can they continue to dominate in the second half? stay tuned to find out!
Clermont are getting smashed
TRY OYONNAX. Florian Denos crosses the white wash to increase the home sides lead. Broken play in their own half resulted in a kick forward which was chased down by the Oyonnax back 3. Siviatu's inability to gather the ball gifted Denos the opportunity to pounce.
TRY OYONNAX. Jody Jenneker crosses in the corner for the host after a massively exciting 5 minutes of play. The men in red were unlucky moments earlier to not obtain a try as they were held up over the line. They duly managed to convert off the ensuing scrum!
Clermont's dominance at scrum time is clearly evident and it results in a penalty on halfway for the visitors. However Brock James also fails to convert. That's one miss a piece for the opposing 10's.
Oyonnax awarded a penalty on the half way for infringement at the ruck but Urdapilleta fails to take the 3 points. Encouraging start however from the home side, they seem to have their tactics right so far.