PARIS: Italian side Aironi recorded a famous victory in its maiden season of European Cup competition Saturday when it beat last season's finalist Biarritz 28-27. French full-back Julien Laharrague's drop goal two minutes from time gave Aironi, comprising elements of the old Viadana side and other teams in the Parma region, their triumph. Biarritz stays top of the pool but it still has to travel to an Ulster side which beat Bath 22-18. Perpignan beat two-time champion Leicester in Pool 5, although the Tigers stay top thanks to a bonus losing point whilst Racing-Metro gained a superb 24-21 away win over Saracens which leaves the losers rooted to the bottom of the standings. Biarritz did have the consolation of leaving Italy with two bonus points, for scoring four tries and losing by less than seven points, but will be kicking itself for losing to Aironi who hadn't won in either Europe or the Celtic League this season. Despite tries by Romain Terrain, Zimbabwean-born American winger Takudzwa Ngwenya, former England back Iain Balshaw and Charles Gimenez, the Italian players wouldn't give in. A mix of the boot of Teo Tebaldi and tries from Kiwi fly-half James Marshall, a brilliant score by Giulio Toniolatti and one from Matteo Pratichatti, that put it in front for the first time, set up Laharrague's killer blow. In Pool One, wingers Paul Diggin and England star Chris Ashton scored tries to enable Northampton to maintain its 100 percent record as it beat Cardiff 23-15. The Saints have now won three out of three while Cardiff, beaten twice in their three group matches so far, have huge ground to make up to qualify for the quarterfinals. Fly-half Stephen Myler kicked the other 13 Saints points with Dan Parks landing five penalties for Cardiff. Racing-Metro's maiden season in European club rugby's premier competition took on a brighter hue with their away win over Saracens, who led early on thanks to a fine try by winger Noah Kato. Perpignan prevailed over Leicester in another thrilling encounter which saw the French hosts score with another Laharrague - Julien's brother Nicolas - proving a thorn in the visitors' side. – Agence France
