Clermont Auvergne ran in three first-half tries on their way to recording a 23-16 Heineken Cup win over Harlequins in France.

Wales full-back Lee Byrne crossed the line after just eight minutes to extend Clermont's lead, with Brock James having already got them up and running with an early penalty.

Harlequins replied through the boot of Ben Botica, but two tries in the space of five minutes helped the hosts establish a clear advantage at 18-6.

French international centre Wesley Fofana touched down midway through the first period after running onto a pass from James, who added a conversation to Thierry Lacrampe's effort just five minutes later.

A try on the stroke of the break from Tom Williams, following a powerful charge from the visiting forwards, brought Harlequins within touching distance, with the scores at 20-13 at the interval.

They could not mount a second-half comeback, though, with the points being limited to three for each side, James successfully kicking a penalty that was cancelled out by Evans's late drop goal.

This was Clermont's first win of this year's competition, while Harlequins have now lost both of their opening two group-stage matches.