Perpignan will again be part of the elite next season! Relegated in 2014 to Pro D2, after a single season in Top 14 catastrophic in 2019, the Catalans found the way to the first division, by winning very largely against Biarritz in the final of Pro D2 on Saturday 5 June (33-14). Sacred second division champions of France, the Sang et Ors were able to savor a well-deserved reunion with the Top 14.
The first half, chopped by many faults, however quickly turned in favor of Perpignan. A first try on the wing of Georges Tilsley from the ninth minute of play (7-0) set the tone. There followed a scorers’ duel, between Melvyn Jaminet and James Hart, because of two unruly teams: three penalties everywhere at the break, only one try scored and Perpignan tipped over in the lead (16-9).
One yellow, two trials and sacred Perpignan
When they returned from the locker room, it was still Perpignan which led the way, scoring a penalty from the outset. What next? A new fault from Biarritz which reduced them to 14 for ten minutes: Francis Saili committed a voluntary forward, doubled from an offside position, on a big offensive phase of Perpignan and received a yellow card. There, in numerical superiority, the Catalans could score another try thanks to Volavola (24-9). The Biarrots put their heart into the work, however, but came up against an excellent opposing defense.
At the 73e minute, after a very well managed touch, Perpignan multiplied the phases of play, until shifting to the right wing. By alternating phases of play on the ground and kicking, the Perpignan forwards served Melvyn Jaminet, scorer of the day, who offered victory to his team (33-9). Seven minutes from the end, the Catalans were already on a cloud, again residents of the Top 14 and champions of Pro D2.
Biarritz still managed to score a try, that of honor (33-14), before the explosion of joy of the Catalans, better this Saturday.
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