Wing Jonny May’s late try gave Gloucester a dramatic Heineken Cup victory as Perpignan had their former Munster centre Lifeimi Mafi sent off.
May struck five minutes from time during an intense Pool Six encounter, while scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan also scored and his halfback partner Billy Twelvetrees kicked 17 points in a 27-22 success.
It was rough justice on Perpignan’s Wales international fullback James Hook, who scored an early try, converted it, kicked a drop-goal and booted four penalties, but Perpignan are left still seeking a first Heineken victory on English soil.
For Gloucester, though, it lifted the early-season gloom surrounding a poor start to their Aviva Premiership campaign, and they will now visit Munster next Saturday after giving themselves a timely injection of confidence.
Jonathan Pelissie came off the bench to propel Montpellier to a 27-10 win against Benetton Treviso in Pool Five.
Quarter-finalists in the competition last season, French outfit Montpellier were already in charge at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo by the time Pelissie was introduced in the 55th minute.
He took over from scrumhalf Benoit Paillaugue, who had booted 12 points, and added a penalty before crossing for a 67th-minute try - validated by the video referee - that he added the extras to.
Thomas Combezou scored Montpellier’s other try and Christian Loamanu went over for the hosts as the French side moved top of Pool Five ahead of Ulster, who beat Leicester last night.
Harlequins' season continued to deteriorate with their 26-33 defeat by the Scarlets getting them off to a losing start, despite the best efforts of Mike Brown.
Rhodri Williams, Scott Williams and Jordan Williams supplied the tries and Rhys Priestland scored 18 points as the Celtic visitors completed a thrilling victory at the Twickenham Stoop.
Quins were second best throughout and had it not be for the the brilliance of Brown, who crossed twice and was their heartbeat from start to finish, they would have lost more emphatically.
Rory Kockott scored converted Romain Martial's try and four penalties as Castres beat Northamtpon Saints 19-13 to move top of Pool One before Leinster's win over Ospreys.
