Rugby Union: Auch, that was close, Caerphilly; CAERPHILLY 36 AUCH 36

Sunday Mirror, Oct 22, 2000

CAERPHILLY clung on by their fingernails to claim a point against fast-finishing Auch in the European Shield.

But the Welsh side, who have yet to win in the competition this season, will be hard pressed to qualify for the next stage.

The omens looked good for Caerphilly in the 67th minute when they stretched into a 36-17 lead with a try from No8 Andrew Williams.

But Auch, who possessed the stronger scrum throughout, hit back with two tries in five minutes from Aussie No8 Jonathan Lewis and flanker Benoit Durand.

That reduced Caerphilly's lead to 36-31 and in the final move, wing Gilles Danglade ground his way to the corner for a try.

A 25-yard kick for a conversion settled the result as Jiome Gendre pushed his effort wide to Caerphilly's relief.