French Top 14 round five: Bayonne holds off Bourgoin-Jallieu
Bayonne was able to squeeze out a victory on the road against Bourgoin-Jallieu in Stade Pierre-Rajon over the weekend.
Bayonne had a close call against a struggling Bourgoin side. Bayonne got out to a quick start; however Bourgoin was able to match their form early as the two sides entered half-time tied. After the break it looked as though Bourgoin was going to take over, however Bayonne was able to put their game together late and claimed a surprisingly difficult 28-23 victory.
Recap
Bayonne was able to get on the board first with a drop-goal from Benjamin Boyet in the second minute, to give his side a quick 3-0 advantage.
Only one minute later full-back Joe Pietersen was able to manoeuvre his way across the try-line. Boyet tacked on the extra points and Bayonne stretched their lead to 10-0.
However, over the next 20 minutes Bourgoin’s fly-half Alberto di Bernardo was able to knock down three penalties to Boyet’s one and the lead was cut to 13-9.
Bourgoin was able to keep the pressure on and Jean-Francois Coux muscled his way over the whitewash in the 35th minute. Di Bernardo made no mistake adding the extra two points and giving his side their first lead of the match at 16-13.
Nevertheless, Boyet was able to put through a penalty in the 40th minute to take the teams into half-time tied.
After the break Bourgoin continued to pressure and Tone Kopekani was able to force his way over the line. Di Bernardo continued his strong day from the tee hitting the conversion and claiming a 23-16 lead for the home team.
Unfortunately for Bourgoin that would be all they could muster as Bayonne took over on offence. Abdellatif Boutaty managed to get over the line in the 53rd minute and after Boyet kicked his second conversion, the game was back tied. However, winger Yohan Huget was able to get over the line in the 62nd minute. The five points added by Huget proved to be enough as Bayonne claimed a tight victory.
Analysis
With the win Bayonne moves to the top of the table with four wins and only one loss. Nevertheless, they will have to show better form against the League’s top sides if they hope to remain first in the standings.
Bourgoin meanwhile put in a very strong effort against a heavily favoured side. Sitting in last place they will hope to build on their strong form over the weekend.
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