Remy Gervelas (Pontault-Combault HB)
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Pontault-Combault emerged victorious from the duel at the top of the Proligue against Saran, at the end of the suspense (21-22). The Pontellois return to the top of the championship, three games to go.
Time and time again postponed, the duels between Saran and Pontault-Combault, the two leading Proligue teams, are finally disputed at the end of the championship. The first of the oppositions took place in the Loiret this Wednesday, and in the first period, the stake took the upper hand on the game. The two defenses are mobile and solid, and Pontellois side, Rémy Gervelas is particularly distinguished with seven stops in the first act, with more than 50% success (14 stops in total). The Ile-de-France residents lead the entire first period, taking advantage of Saran’s glaring lack of efficiency, but only have an advantage of two goals at the end of a very poor first period in goals (7-9, 30′). The PCHB keeps control of operations in the second period, with an iron defense. Hadrien Ramond, completely caught in a pincer movement, cannot be a solution for the Saranese game, which relies above all on Théo Avelange-Demouge to score goals (9, including 5/6 pen.). Pontault dominates the debates with four goals ahead (13-17, 46′), but misses the balls of +5 against Nicolas Gauthier. In the last quarter of an hour, Saran finally frees himself in attack, with his rear taking more initiatives. With two well-felt shots from afar, Quentin Eymann brings Saran back to height in the money-time (19-19, 56′).
Pontault hangs on, but one minute from the end, the score is still par (21-21, 59′). An interminable Pontelloise possession, with several free throws at 9 meters while the arm of the referees is raised, finally ends well for the PCHB. Gustavo Rodrigues finds the fault from a distance and gives the advantage to his team. Saran has eight seconds to equalize and prepares his action during Fabien Courtial’s last time-out, but the plan fails. Pontault offers himself a victory of great importance for his rival (21-22), and robs him of the first place. The success is logical for the Ile-de-France residents who dominated the meeting. Saran may regret his lack of rhythm in attack for 45 minutes, detrimental to the best defense in the championship. Pontault is now one point ahead, and will have to keep this lead in the last three games that remain to be played to obtain direct accessit for the Starligue. But Saran will have his revenge next Tuesday, this time in Seine-et-Marne.
Mickaël Georgeault
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