Rugby-Perpignan extend Clermont misery in Top 14 final

By Jean-Paul Couret

PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) - Perpignan clinched their first French rugby Top 14 title in 54 years when they inflicted on Clermont their 10th defeat in as many finals on Saturday at the Stade de France.

"It's a greet feeling, something very special," said former New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter who brought the unsung Perpignan team to the limelight when he joined them at the start of the year but only played a few games before suffering a knee injury.

"They played very well all year and they scored a great try in the second half."

Perpignan won the game 22-13 through a try by centre David Marty, a drop goal from Gavin Hume, the South African flyhalf who took over from Carter, a conversion and four penalties from fullback Jerome Porical.

Clermont replied with a try from Fijian wing Napolioni Nalaga, who headed the Top 14 best try scorer standings with 21 touchdowns, and a conversion and two penalties by Australian flyhalf Brock James.

"It's terrible", said international scrumhalf Pierre Mignoni who played in the last two finals lost by Clermont, to Toulouse and Paris and will leave Clermont next season to join Toulon.

"We had warnings as we came twice for nothing last year and the year before but we were rubbish once again," he added. "Full credit to Perpignan, they deserve their title." (Editing by Dave Thompson; To query or comment on this story e-mail sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com) (jean-paul.couret@thomsonreuters.com; +33 1 49 49 53 70; Reuters Messaging: jean-paul.couret.reuters.com@reuters.net; For the new Reuters sports blog Left Field go to: blogs.reuters.com/sports)

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