If the senior 2 girls gave in against Millau and the under 15 girls in Toulouse, the other teams in the running “assured”.
Still as part of the second phase high hen, the Seniors 2 of the HBCE moved to Saint-Affrique. An Aveyron derby always difficult to negotiate. With their team complete, motivated and determined, the Espalionnais got into the match as well as possible, taking the score quickly to reach half-time with the final score of 20 to 8 in their favor. The second half with always seriousness and the same determination will be like the first for a final score of 43 to 13.
Nice performance of the under 18 boys in Nîmes
Good defense, solidarity, total control of the game, a total of 24 saves for the two goalkeepers, a good percentage of success on shots; the whole group is to be congratulated because it retains second place and is still in contention for the rise in excellence.
It was at a rather unusual time (a Sunday at 4 p.m.) that this formation moved against one of the sizes of the pool. Despite a Damien on fire at the start of the match (5 saves on the first 6 shots), it is the locals who lead the game. The Espalionnais are unable to put themselves in place on their strong point which is the defense. The score will be 16-14 at halftime. From the start of the second period, with a rediscovered defense, a still effective goalkeeper (16 saves in total) and a less physically sharp opponent, the trend will be reversed.
Great win for senior girls
Continuing to accelerate, the Espalionnais quickly took the lead, then widened the gap to win 26 to 30 and keep the assurance of finishing at least second and therefore of playing in the semi-final. The first place will be played in the last match on May 13 against Clermont-Salagou. It is with a reduced workforce that this formation moved to Montauban. The start of the match will be very tight with a solid defense for the Espalionnaises but difficulties in attack. Led by 4 goals at the half hour mark, this team was able to show character to not let go and come back to 14-14 at the break. More determined in the second half they will take the end of the game on their own and win 23-28. One more victory to keep believing in second place.
