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Rugby Union

Exiles continue perfect start

09/12/2007

London Irish came from behind to defeat French side Perpignan 24-16 in today's Heineken Cup clash at the Madejski Stadium.

The Guinness Premiership side scored the opening try of the game when Bob Casey touched down.

But three Jerome Porical penalties gave the French side a 9-8 lead at the break.

Perpignan increased their lead when Adrien Plante touched down on 47 minutes, which was converted by Porical.

The Exiles then began their comeback with a Peter Hewat penalty and a penalty try. Two late penalties from Hewat sealed victory for the home side.

The result sees Irish go five points clear at the top of pool one with three wins from three games while Perpignan stay in second place.

Elsewhere Stade Francais saw off Cardiff Blues 12-6 at a rain-soaked Stade Jean Bouin.

The home side, who led 9-3 at the break, were led to victory by two penalties apiece from Juan Hernandes and David Skrela.

Ben Blair kicked a penalty in each half for the Blues to earn them a bonus point.

The win for Stade Francais moves them to the top of pool three while the Blues slip to second place after three games.

Meanwhile Glasgow have gone top of pool four after a hard-fought 9-6 win over Biarritz at Hughenden.

All the Warriors' points came in the first half with Dan Parks kicking three penalties.

Julian Dupuy booted over a penalty in each half for the French side but Glasgow held on for their second victory in the European campaign.

The result sees the Warriors replace Saracens at the top of pool four while Biarritz remain in third spot.