Oyonnax off the mark thanks to Botica

CONNACHT’S Challenge Cup rivals Oyonnax claimed their first win of the season last weekend and climbed to ninth in the table, and they had the boot of Ben Botica to thank for the triumph.

Botica landed four penalties for his new side and that proved the difference as they held on for most of the second half to secure a 12-10 win over Agen.

A try from Paul Abadie had kept Agen in contact at the break, but after Ignacio Mieres edged them ahead five minutes after the restart, Botica kicked the winner three minutes later. A visit to Paris to take on Racing 92 is a huge test for Oyonnax this weekend though.

Elsewhere in the Top 14, Brive remain fixed to the foot of the table without a point from their three games following a 25-6 loss at home to Racing last time out. Two penalties from Gaetan Germain meant they were only four points back at half-time, but despite yellows in each half, Racing ran out easy winners with two further tries.

Meanwhile, in the English Premiership, Worcester Warriors are also on the search for points after their second straight defeat to start the season, this time a 26-10 loss to Wasps. But it took late tries from Willie le Roux and Josh Beassett to finish off Warriors, who kept in touch thanks to a first-half effort from Biyi Alo and a Sam Oliver penalty. Tonight they face neighbours Exeter Chiefs in a mouthwatering clash.