England fly-half Andy Goode endured an anxious conclusion to Brive's 11-9 win over Castres in the Top 14.

More Stories

• Round 8 Preview: League hots up
• Weekend fixtures

Goode, desperate to stake his autumn international claims in the face of stiff opposition from rejuvenated fellow French exile Jonny Wilkinson, kicked a first-half penalty and a drop-goal to help his side to a 6-3 interval lead.

Back row forward Vincent Forgues then scored the game's only try early in the second half for an 11-3 lead.

However Castres full-back Romain Teulet reduced the deficit with two penalties before Goode missed a drop-goal attempt as well as two penalties in the last 15 minutes, forcing his team-mates to hang on grimly for the victory.

In Friday's second match, bottom clun Albi won their first game of the season at the seventh attempt, beating Bayonne 19-14.