If there was no doubt and particular anxiety about the quality of the new Illac squad, renewed at 80%, a degree of uncertainty reigned in the light of this first meeting in order to know if the mayonnaise would work. mount without elbow grease. Obviously, Gauthier Bonnefoy and his teammates removed any apprehensions by mastering a very experienced opponent.
“The first time is always full of mystery,” conceded the coach, Anisse Guéchou. I told the players, we will be what we decide to be individually and collectively. What we will add and bring to this team is up to us to decide. Being in the fight, determination and solidarity is extremely powerful.”
Strength of character
A Martega formation dominated in the first set (21-25) by the fault of a Kaba, huge on the block (4), an explosive Ben Romdhane in attack and a Bonnefoy always at ease to stabilize the team. The Provençaux then put more intensity in a 2nd set where each team surrendered blow for blow. The proof: we counted 16 ties. And most often, the visitors, led by Talia and François, led the way. Suffice to say that the Illacais then demonstrated great strength of character. They could have given in, they didn’t give up.
“We were pretty stable on an emotional level for a first match”
As the coach points out: “Faced with a fairly skilled opponent, who knows how to play, who never does anything wrong, he can outsmart you. We knew that physically we had strengths but we must not fall into the trap, get frustrated and annoyed. We were pretty stable on an emotional level for a first match. It was not easy with such a renewed workforce. We didn’t know how the team was going to react, if there was going to be confidence, who is capable of playing the role of firefighters when you are behind. We have to continue on this, prepare the matches as we did and put as much heart into it.”
By winning this second round 27-25, AS Illac had just taken a big step towards victory. The last set was shaping up to be a real walk in the park (25-16) with Guérin in turn authoring 4 blocks, Ben Romdhane authoring 3 aces and the gunners therefore in full confidence. This inaugural success reassures everyone especially since Malick Frédéric was missing, a pretty baby of 1.90 m who has the biggest shots on serve. We just ask to see.
Saint-Jean-d’Illac 3 – Martigues 0
Lieu Saint-Jean-d’Illac (Pierre-Favre gymnasium) Spectators 600 Referees MM. Breton and Berthelot. Sets 25-21 (26 min), 27-25 (30 min), 25-16 (25 min)
SAINT-JEAN-D’ILLAC 46 winning attacks out of 77, i.e. 60% success. 3 aces. 10 blocks. 22 faults including 16 on service.
The points Ben Romdhane 15, Bonnefoy 13, Guérin 10, Kaba 10, Tessier 7, Bonon 4. Libéro: Kroiss.
MARTIGUES 37 winning attacks out of 79, i.e. 47% success. 1 ace. 2 counters. 21 faults including 12 on service.
The points Talia 13, Mocanu 4, Attié 9, François 9, Mocanu 4, Corosine 1, Soldner 2, Roulleau 2, Corosine 1. Libero: Ragondet.
