RYAN SMITH COMES SUBS IN SUNNY VICTORY FOR MONTAUBAN AGAINST BIARRITZ

 

This season, Montauban has enjoyed its trips to the Basque country. Having already defeated Bayonne, Montauban celebrated their Easter holiday by playing to a 9 - 9 tie at two time, French Club Champions Biarritz. Brampton's Ryan Smith came off the bench at 65 minutes to take over the centre position and ensure the victory. Fellow Canadian Mike Pyke played the whole match from full-back.

 

Coach Laurent Travers described the tie as "a wonderful achievement. "Biarritz would have won, but for the incredible defence mounted by Montauban." Before the match began, most people were interested in how many bonus points Biarritz was going to win in their victory. "However, Montauban left did not hold back and left everything on the field. We are really happy with the victory."

 

The tied game was well-deserved, after Biarritz led the first half 3 - 0. And, with the sharing of the points Montauban saw the game as a victory for themselves. Biarritz scored three penalty goals through the boot of Dupuy, while Montauban replied with two penalty goals from Mitu, and a drop goal from fly half  and captain Fauqué. The supporters were in seventh heaven, and the Club solidified its sixth place in the League. The Aquilera stadium is popular with the Montauban team as they have played their twice now, and never been defeated.

 

MONTAUBAN : Pyke ; Cech, Viard, Jahouer (Smith 65e), Cassin ; (0)  Fauqué  (cap), (m) Garcia (Mitu 49e) ; Diarra, Raynaud (Clarkin 63e), Caballero ; Frost, Rolland ; Sa (Brignoni 73e), Arganèse (Traversa 60e puis Arganèse 70e), Balan (Lemoine 30e).

BIARRITZ : Brusque ; Marlu (Peyrelongue 70e), Gaïtan (Bidabé 62e), Traille, Bobo ; (0) Bosch, (m) Dupuy ; Malonga, Harinordoquy (Lièvremont 65e), Betsen ; Dellape, Thion (cap) ; Lecouls (Avril 40e), Noirot (August 60e), Lealamanua (Lecouls 57e puis Dridi 76e).