French round-up: Toulon one of five home winners on opening day in Elite 2 Championship

James Gordon

Toulon were the big winners on the opening weekend of the French Elite 2 Championship.

The Marlins led Salon 28-4 at half-time, and continued the scoring in the second half to thump the new look Salon 56-4 to top the standings after round one.

Carpentras’ latest Serbian signing, Rajko Trifunovic, needed just five minutes of his debut to score his first try for the club, in their 28-14 win over Lyon.

Idriss Tamghart doubled the hosts’ advantage but Lyon hit back before the break to reduce the deficit to 14-10 at half-time.

Lyon levelled the scores early in the second half, but tries from Clement Bessac, Tamghart’s second and a late score for Gregoire Izac on his debut ensured the win.

Vinnie Anderson’s Villegailhenc sprung a surprise in defeating Villefranche 38-20.

With Patrick Ah Van returning to the side and starting at centre, VARL led 8-6 midway through the first half and took a 20-14 advantage in to the break.

They stretched their lead to 28-14 by the hour mark, and although the visitors pulled one back, VARL scored two more tries to deny the Wolves a defensive bonus point.

Pia were another side to turn a half-time lead in to victory, as they were 34-10 winners over Lescure.

The Barouders scored three tries in the first half to lead 16-6, and ran in four more after the break to take the win.

Technically still the reigning champions, 2019 winners Baho were beaten 20-18 by Entraigues on the opening day.

Elite 2 Championship Results – Round 1 Carpentras 28-14 Lyon

Pia 34-10 Lescure

Entraigues 20-18 Baho

Toulon 56-4 Salon

Villegailhenc 38-20 Villefranche

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