Three H Cup games played and a only 4 points, a draw against Champions Leinster and loses against Bath and yesterday Glasgow Warriors, the only consolation 2 loosing bonus points.
Although Montpellier did not send their strongest team, that was due to injuries and forced holidays, the boys who did make the trip did not disgrace themselves, in fact if Lady Luck had been on their side, and a referee who thought yellow cards were Christmas presents for Montpellier, the result could have been different.
Two yellows in the first half one probably deserved for Pierre Berard with an early tackle on a high ball but the second for Vassili Bost no way, the tiniest of infringements at a line out , something you see ½ dozen times per match, playing with only 14 for 20 mins. will never get the result needed. 
The mistakes, far too many once again, the temperature was probably not to the liking of most of the Montpellier players but the knock-ons were far too many, and again the line outs started well but then errors started to creep in and lots of ball lost to the opposition.
Montpellier held solid in the first half and scored the only try of the half, after 4 collapsed scrums and 4 penalties 5 mts. short of the Glasgow line, Eric Escande, got the ball from the 5th scrum and scampered over the line for a well deserved try, how the Ref did not award a penalty try nobody knows, he did give the home prop a yellow but the penalty try will probably be awarded next week as a Christmas present to someone else. At the break Glasgow had their noses in front 12-10, with 4 Weir penalties; Martin Bustos Moyano hit a penalty and converted the try for Montpellier.
The second half was much the same, Montpellier did attack when they had the ball but too often the mistakes crept in and the attacks were quickly halted.
Glasgow scored their only try of the game, a neat ball out to the wing for the Argentinean winger Aramburu to go over in the corner, with another penalty for the home side, Montpellier were out of defensive bonus point territory, but with 4 mins. to go they started to throw the ball about and created a length of the field try for Massi Matadigo who out sprinted everybody to go over in the corner and at least secure the bonus point, the conversion was missed and the Ref blew the whistle for the end of the game, Glasgow Warriors 20 Montpellier 15.
Montpellier had several players in their team who had not shown for a certain time and also the youngsters who once again gave a very proud display, Eric Escande’s performance was one of maturity and confidence, their will always be mistakes but youth is on his side. Joseph Tuineau, did well in only his second appearance, and still needs more game time, Alex Tulou had a confident game and v the front row of Jgenti, Ladhuie and Shvelidze gave their Scottish counterparts a rough ride throughout the match and were always on top, the backs need to play together more often and too many mistakes ruined their afternoon, but there was pride in the performance and Montpellier are still learning the qualities of the H CUP, qualify again next season and the experience of this year could well bear its fruit.

Steve Whittell.