AFP - Castres cemented their grip on the leadership of the Top 14 in France on Friday with a thumping 34-6 win over Biarritz while Toulon jumped up to third with a 22-18 win at Stade Francais, greatly aided by Jonny Wilkinson, who landed four penalties, a drop goal and a conversion.

Racing-Metro meanwhile thanked the boot of Andrew Mehrtens as they just edged Albi 9-6 for a sixth straight success - his third kick a 50m penalty.

Castres' win extended their lead over Perpignan, whose game against Bayonne weas postponed after seven suspected cases of swine flu in the Catalan club's squad - Castres themselves had a match postponed in August for the same reason.

Biarritz were hampered by the injury absence of third rower Imanol Harinordoquy and the loss to the France squad for their weekend Test against New Zealand of Damien Traille and Fabien Barcella.

And tries from Nicolas, Audrin and Diarra, aided by four Teulet penalties, put Castres firmly on their way in the face of two Yachvili kicks for the visitors.

"The score is a boon. We knew it would be tough and we're very happy to have picked up ten points from two title pretenders," said Castres winger Yoan Audrin, referring to the bonus win over Toulouse which preceded it.

"But we have to keep our feet on the groud and keep working hard," Audrin told Canal + television.