Amlin Challenge Cup: Worcester lost to Biarritz, Sale stay top despite defeat
Worcester slumped to an eighth successive home defeat with a 19-15 Amlin Challenge Cup loss to Biarritz.
Last Updated: 05/12/13 11:08pm
The Warriors squandered a 12-0 first-half lead but were only denied by a last minute try from flanker Tanguy Molcard in a loss that will really hurt coach Dean Ryan and his men.
Dean Hammond and Alex Grove had crossed to give the hosts a clear advantage but they allowed Biarritz to hit back, with only 14 men on the field, before the break.
Replacement Yann Lesgourdes added to Takudzwa Ngwenya's earlier try to put the away side in front after the interval before Chris Pennell restored the home advantage with the boot.
At 15-14 Worcester looked poised for a first win in Europe this season but Molcard had other ideas to hand the French Top 14 side victory with no time left on the clock.
Bonus point
Sale held on to top spot in Pool One despite going down 16-10 to Oyonnax.
Sharks claimed a losing bonus point after and an Augustin Figuerola try ensured the French minnows claimed their first European win, before Joe Ford gained some consolation with a late drop goal.
Benjamin Urdapilleta booted Oyonnax into the lead after just two minutes at Stade Charles Mathon but Sale grabbed the first try.
As the 15-minute mark approached the ball was spread to Rob Miller, who threaded a pinpoint kick through for Phil MacKenzie, who collected the ball and stepped inside Silvere Tian to score.
Nick Macleod added the extras but Urdapilleta quickly hit back as Oyonnax responded in perfect fashion.
They took the lead on 20 minutes as Figuerola caught the Sharks napping with a quick tap on the edge of the 22 to dart over.
Urdapilleta was once again on target and the French club weathered a Sale storm to enter the break leading 13-7
A stalemate then ensued in the second half until Nicolas Vuillemin struck a penalty on the 74th minute and Ford responded.