Bayonne scrape first leg victory against Auch

Bayonne 23 Auch 21

Pre-match favourites Bayonne face an uphill battle to make the final of the European Shield after being held to a two-point victory at their Stade Jean Dauger.

Auch are struggling in the French Championship and were expected to be on the end of a hiding, but the home side were left to rue some basic mistakes as Auch bravely stayed in touch ahead of the return leg in three weeks.

Bayonne full-back Clement Fromont bagged a brace of tries and scrum-half Sebastien Rouet added four goals, while Auch full-back Jean-Baptiste Dambielle kicked four of his own to give his side a good chance of making the final.

Lock Tao Tapasu and centre Anthony Legardere scored Auch’s tries.