The U16s are still undefeated after four matches. Rémi Philippon archives
This Saturday, the national U16s of CA Périgueux faced Niort. Jean Saulière’s men won (27-24) retaining their leadership position
It took little and, above all, a lot of vigilance on the part of the Périgord bench. While the CAP national U16s were trailing 22-24, Jean Saulière and his team realized that the Niortais were 15 on the pitch even though they had received two white cards. As a famous comedian would have said: “The calculations are not good. » “We win 22-0 at half-time, they come back and pass us in front and there, they get two white cards and I count, there were still 15 on the pitch,” explains the Périgord coach. I warn the referee who in turn counts. He whistles a penalty for us, gives them a yellow card. On this action, we go into touch and we score a try. This is how we win 27 to 24,” continues Jean Saulière.
A little too confident
A match held until the end even though the Capistes had widened the gap. “We made it difficult for ourselves,” regrets the coach. And that’s twice. In Floirac too, the U16s had a crazy first half but they were then brought back, a bit like Saturday, by Niortais who were also undefeated. “The players gained confidence by winning, that’s for sure, but as a result, they relaxed and lacked commitment and desire in the second half, which meant that instead of settling the match , we win it at the last moment,” complains Jean Saulière.
Would the U16s have shown a little complacency? “Yes,” agrees the Capiste coach. However, while they were trailing, the players kept their calm and went for victory. “They knew they could do it and they did it. The essentials are assured,” smiles Jean Saulière.
This new success bodes very good things for the future, since the national U16s are still undefeated and now the sole leaders of their group. “We’re putting everyone at a distance, we now have to check off Limoges, starting this weekend. »
Claire Sicard
