IN the top clash of the weekend, Albi moved level on points overnight with leaders Carcassonne as they swept aside the challenge of third-placed visitors Pia, winning 26-10.
In inhospitable conditions but in front of nearly 3,000 fans, Albi, with tries from centre Clément Tailhades and stand-off Brad Wall, took a 10-0 half-time lead.
Despite constant pressure, Pia could not break down the home defence until the 65th minute, when Théo Bonneriez went over.
But by then, Albi were 26-0 ahead. Three tries in ten minutes settled the outcome. Winger Théo Guinget, from Tony Gigot’s kick, Gigot himself from an interception and a second try from Tailhades, plus two Gigot conversions, gave Albi an unassailable lead.
Pia winger Ilias Bergal scored Pia’s second but it was too late to affect the outcome.
Meanwhile Carcassonne fell to a shock 20-12 defeat at Villefranche, their third in a row after losses to Albi and Pia.
Promoted team Villefranche were themselves defeated last week in the cup by Elite 2 outfit Villegailhenc, Carcassonne’s reserve side.
Lacking key players, the Canaries nevertheless led 12-8 at the break, before the Wolves caught them with a try from Paul Sangaré, brother of Justin, and three penalty-goals.
Lézignan got back on track with a surprisingly comfortable 28-12 win over St Estève-XIII Catalan, who failed to live up to the expectations of a team in the top three for most of the season.
Particularly in the second half Lézignan dominated their opponents, winger Jordan Flovie scoring a hat-trick and new signing Paul Momirovski from Leeds showing his value by creating three tries from halfback, including one for himself.
Limoux gained a valuable win in the race for a top six place by beating rivals Villeneuve 18-6.
The Leopards, who had won 20-18 win at Lézignan in the last match before the Christmas break, were less effective against a Limoux side who took advantage of their failings.
In heavy conditions and driving wind, Villeneuve made numerous mistakes and had three players sinbinned, Limoux’s Matis Dall’Asta capitalising with three penalty-goals.
Hooker Justin Bouscayrol scored the only try of the first half before, early in the second, fullback Zac Santo came into the line to create the overlap for winger Valentin Blasi to cross wide out and help extend the lead to 12-0.
Villeneuve responded when fullback Jack Aiken ran through the Limoux defence to catch Jackson Moule’s high kick and touch down, but that was as far as they got, apart from collecting a defensive bonus point.
St Gaudens helped themselves to a vital three points at the expense of struggling Avignon, winning 38-18.
Results
Albi 26 Pia 10
Lézignan 28 St Estève-XIII Catalan 12
Limoux 18 Villeneuve 6
St Gaudens 38 Avignon 18
Villefranche 20 Carcassonne 12
Bye: Toulouse
Fixtures
Saturday 18 January
Avignon v Albi
St Estève-XIII Catalan v Limoux
Toulouse v Lézignan
Sunday 19 January
Pia v Villefranche
Villeneuve v St Gaudens
Bye: Carcassonne
Table
Carcassonne 27 pts
Albi 26 pts
Limoux 22 pts
Pia 22 pts
St Estève-XIII Catalan 22 pts
Villefranche 22 pts
St Gaudens 20 pts
Villeneuve 18 pts
Lézignan 17 pts
Avignon 11 pts
Toulouse 1 pt