Perpignan set the pace
Perpignan maintained their winning start in Heineken Cup Pool One with a 29-17 victory over Benetton Treviso in Italy.
Last Updated: 17/11/07 6:03pm
Perpignan maintained their winning start in Heineken Cup Pool One with a 29-17 victory over Benetton Treviso in Italy.
The French club edged out the Dragons in their opening game and were strong favourites in Treviso, although it was far from plain sailing.
The home side opened up an 11-3 lead after half an hour and were still in front at the break, before Perpignan's class began to show.
Marius Goosen's two early penalties put Treviso ahead, and after Cedric Rosalen had reduced the arrears Benjamin De Jager crossed for the first try for the Italians. Goosen missed the conversion.
Right on half time Viliani Vaki dragged Perpignan back into the game with their first try, although Rosalen was also unsuccessful with his conversion attempt.
Rosalen was on target though early in the second half after Damien Chouly had touched down, taking the visitors four points ahead.
Goosen cut the deficit to just a single point with a penalty just before the hour mark, but Perpignan were clear again shortly afterwards when Adrien Plante scored their third try and Rosalen made it 22-14 with the conversion.
Another Goosen penalty brought Treviso back to within one score, but Mickael Ladhuie's last minute try earned Perpignan the bonus point and Nicolas Durand kicked to make the final score flattering on the French side.
