Win sees Toulouse go seven points clear

Newport-Gwent Dragons 13 Toulouse 26

Toulouse piled the pressure on Heineken Cup rivals Bath as they moved closer to a place in this season's quarter-finals today.

The three-time European champions eased seven points clear in Pool Five - closest challengers Bath visit Glasgow tomorrow - after subduing a spirited Dragons effort at Rodney Parade.

Tries during the opening flurries of each half by wings Maxime Medard and Cedric Heymans emphasised a gulf in class, although Toulouse still had to dig deep.

Frederic Michalak kicked a drop-goal and two penalties that underlined early Toulouse dominance, while David Skrela converted Medard's fourth-minute touchdown, yet the Dragons gave it their best shot.

Prop Rhys Thomas scored a try six minutes before the break, with fly-half James Arlidge booting eight points, but Toulouse were always capable of moving up a gear when it mattered.

Medard finished off the Welsh side by claiming his second try after 54 minutes, and then it was merely a question of whether or not Toulouse would claim a potentially-priceless bonus point.