They were never behind but fell a try short of a bonus point to stay in second spot but seven points behind runaway group leaders Gloucester.

Their 30-22 win at the Stade Amédée-Domenech in Round 3 was backed up by this success, Oyonnax taking the lead after just nine minutes with threequarter Roimata Hansell Pune crossing and

And they doubled their advantage six minutes later with back rower Guillaume Bernad also breaching the Brive defence, Regis Lespinas added the conversion to give the home fans a chance for some vociferous celebrations.

But the 1997 European champions gave their travelling supporters something to shout about themselves with back rower Kieran Murphy opening their account and Riann Swanepoel adding the extra points.

Lespinas and Swanepoel exchanged penalties in a tight contest between two clubs who know virtually all there is to know about each other for Oyonnax to take a five-point advantage into the break.

However, they will start the second half down to 14 men after lock Thibault Lassale was yellow carded in the 39th minute.

And although a man down Oyonnax hooker Paula Ngauamo collected their third try, Lespinas adding the extras to open up a 12-points advantage.

That was, however, promptly cut with prop Karlen Asieshvili crossing and Swanepoel converting to keep Brive well and truly in the contest.

However, their cause was not helped with Elia Radikedike sent to the sin bin the leave them a man short for the closing minutes.