Overmach Parma 16 Leeds Carnegie 38: Thomas in charge as Leeds set up showdown with French

It was Leeds's third five-point victory in Pool One and their fourth straight win in the competition, and nudges them ahead of the French side, who inflicted on Leeds their only defeat so far.

A much-changed side from the one attempting to avoid relegation from the Guinness Premiership ran in five tries in Parma to seal the win, No 8 Rhys Oakley the first to crash over on 13 minutes.

Ceiron Thomas, making his first appearance since being replaced during the Premiership victory at Newcastle on December 27, booted the conversion.

Two penalties from Scotland's Barry Irving kept Parma in touch before Jonny Hepworth extended the lead for the Yorkshire visitors with a simple overlap.

Thomas converted and then kicked a penalty after Irving – who had scored a third penalty to cut the deficit – was sin-binned for killing the ball.

Italy international Manoa Vosawai scored Parma's first try within minutes of the restart and Irving's conversion pulled Parma to within a point as the home side began threatening a shock win.

From there, though, Leeds, and in particular Thomas, took charge. The Welshman latched onto a break from Scott Mathie and chipped forward for Luther Burrell to score from 20 metres.

Calum Clark secured the bonus point that drew Leeds level with Bourgoin after good work from Hepworth, Henry Paul and Thomas.

Then at the climax, wing Scott Armstrong outpaced the Parma defence and offloaded to Jon Goodridge, who fooled the home defence with a dummy and crashed over.

Thomas completed a 100 per cent kicking day with a fifth conversion to help Leeds move level on points with Bourgoin, who lost in last year's final.

A draw at Headingley on Sunday will see Leeds top the group and progress to the last eight.

Overmach Parma: Thrower, Martin, Emerick, G. Pavan, Mariani, B. Irving, Patelli, De Marchi, Tejeda, Coletti, Tveraga, Lewaravu, Mandelli, Mannato, Vosawai. Replacements: Robuschi for G. Pavan (55), Nebbett for De Marchi (48), Giazzon for Tejeda (49). Not used: Fontana, Pompa, Favaro, Bricoli, Fiorani.

Leeds Carnegie: Goodridge, Hepworth, Burrell, H Paul, Blackett, Thomas, Mathie, Hardy, Ma'asi, Bucknall, Murphy, Wentzel, Denton, Clark, Oakley. Replacements: Rawlinson for Ma'asi (48), Swainston for Bucknall (48), Myall for Wentzel (57). Not used: McGee, Rowan, Bedford, Strange, Armstrong.

Referee: P Gauzere (France).