London Welsh 19, Stade Francais 68

 

LONDON Welsh's European debut ended in a nightmare nine-try home defeat to Stade Francais today.

The Exiles were off the pace for most of this Amlin Challenge Cup hammering at the Kassam Stadium, while Stade were at times scintillating.

Full back Hugo Bonneval, centre Waisea Nayacalevu and hooker Remy Bonfils grabbed two tries apiece, but it was Argentine centre Felipe Contepomi who orchestrated the demoltion.

Contepomi added a fine try himself and kicked 20 points, with wing Francis Fainifo and lock Juan Cruz Guillemain also crossing over and Bonneval adding a drop goal.

Fly half Gavin Henson kicked 14 points for Welsh, who trailed 32-16 at half-time.

Hooker Greg Bateman grabbed their solitary try, while skipper Jon Mills was yellow-carded.

See Monday's Oxford Mail for full report.