Clermont Auvergne edged a tight match against Leinster in the Heineken Cup this afternoon.
A closely-fought first half saw neither side cross the try line. Johnny Sexton kicked three successful penalties for the visitors while Morgan Parra dispatched four, and Brock James added a drop goal just before the break to give Clermont a 15-9 lead at half-time.
Sexton reduced the gap to three points with another penalty in the 53rd minute.
A mistake by Parra saw Leinster earn a line-out in the home side's half in the final minutes of the game. However, the French side's defence was as strong as it had been all game, and prevented the visitors from making the most of the opportunity.
Clermont Auvergne remain top of pool 6, having won all three of their Heineken Cup games this season, but Leinster remain in second, and pick up a bonus point.
