Toulouse Olympique 24 Halifax 38: Halifax hold firm to frustrate Toulouse

Early on there was only one team in it as the Yorkshiremen settled quickly into their game, well-marshalled by half-backs Graham Holroyd and Luke Branighan, and supported by hooker Sean Penkywicz.

Forward David Wrench got their first try from a lovely Holroyd pass and then Shad Royston streaked away from well inside his own half.

A howler from young Toulouse full-back Clement Biennes gave Rob Worrincy a walk-in score and by the time Royston added a second courtesy of Holroyd the visitors were already 20 to the good. Athough the French side pulled a score back through wing Sebastien Payan, Holroyd turned scorer grabbing their fifth try as the interval approached.

It all appeared plain sailing for Halifax but the home side responded with three converted tries in 15 minutes.

Rory Bromley got their first after Nathan Wynn had made the opening. Then Teli Pelo barged his way over for a try, with just two points in it and 10 minutes remaining.

Toulouse spurned chances even when the visitors lost David Larder sin-binned. Penkywicz scrambled over from close range and Lee Patterson's penalty steadied the nerves. Paul White's seventh try on the hooter was just the cerise sur le gateau.

Toulouse: Bienes, Payan, Ormeno, Planas, Mendes, Bromley, Wynn, Griffi, Anseleme, Pelo Maria, Tisseyre, Houles Substitutes: Faure, Gout, Gigord, Vignau.

Halifax: Royston, Worrincy, Patterson, Nash, White, Branighan, Holroyd, Ostick, Penkywicz, Cherryholme, Wrench, Bannister, Larder. Substitutes: Watene, Tamghart, Maloney, Black.

Referee: M Drizza (France).