Rugby Union: Newcastle kicked out

ROUND-UP

The Boot ruled supreme in a try-less European Conference semi- final in southern France, but it was Newcastle who found themselves kicked out of the competition by Agen 12-9.

It took a huge penalty from half-way by the left-wing Nicola Mazas seven minutes from time to clinch a tight match. Agen will face their fellow countrymen Colomiers in an all-French final in Leeds on 1 February, after their 19-13 victory at home over Stade Francais.

Newcastle came unstuck for the second time in southern France - they had previously lost 32-28 at Biarritz, a defeat which cost them home advantage - when they failed to come to terms with an Agen side who defended with real ferocity.

Newcastle had first use of a stiff breeze in front of a vocal 6,000-plus crowd, but their scant reward was three penalties from Rob Andrew to one by Mazas for a 9-3 lead. It never looked enough, and a snap drop- goal from the stand-off Guillaume Bouic four minutes into the second half brought Agen to within three points. Mazas levelled the scores before both Bouic and the full-back Vincent Thomas failed with drop-goals, then Mazas struck again.

The Agen captain Abdel Benazzi, left out of the France training squad last week, provided a timely reminder of his talent with a series of rampaging runs. The No 8 admitted that he was determined to impress the selectors: "I think I proved a point," Benazzi said. "Maybe I will come back for the Five Nations game against England."

Rob Andrew refused to criticise his side after the defeat: "We're desperately disappointed," he said. "We knew it would be very difficult but we pushed them all the way."

Another three-point defeat, but a far more embarrassing one, was suffered by Bridgend in their 24-21 loss at Garndiffaith in their Group G fourth- round Swalec Cup tie. A try by the left-wing Steve Cross three minutes into injury time capped an amazing result for the Fourth Division side. That was the only success for the minnows, although Swansea were given an early fright by Whitland, thanks to a first-minute try by the wing Marc Evans, before the All Whites ran out 25-12 victors

Cardiff had the most comfortable ride, scoring 13 tries in an 82-14 demolition of visiting Abercan, while the Wales full-back Kevin Morgan ran in three tries in Pontypridd's 43-3 win against Bonymaen. Cwmllynfell distinguished themselves by holding Neath 8-3 at half-time, but the men in black eventually finished 32-13 winners.

In the Tennents Premiership in Scotland, Watsonians produced a 29-7 win of immense importance to haul back leaders Stirling County. Scott Hastings, revelling in his conversion to a full-back in the mould of his brother Gavin, made one try and scored another.

In the English Allied Dunbar Premiership Two, second-placed London Scottish slipped up 15-10 at Wakefield to gift Bedford a six-point lead.