Rugby (Federal 2): ​​Millau regains its efficiency at home with a bonus victory against Grasse

Millavois signed their fourth victory of the season and their first bonus, Sunday January 26 against Grasse. Centre Presse – Jean-Louis Bories

In difficulty in the red zone of their Fédérale 2 group, the Sud-Aveyronnais found hope, Sunday January 26, by beating Grasse (11th, 38-22) and signing their very first offensive bonus of the season.

By having produced its most accomplished performance of the season, Sunday against Grasse (38-22), Millau keeps alive the hope of staying up. A bonus victory, the first in this difficult championship and especially against a direct opponent, which could count in the event of a final tie with Grasse. Because in the count of the ground points, Som would be ahead. A show, tries, suspense, the public… All the ingredients of a great match were there.

Efficiency regained

After an exchange of penalties in the very first minutes, the Millavois got their hands on the ball and following a penalty played by hand, Marvin Loumingou blew up the opposing defense and scored a try converted by Gauthier Escalaïs. The South Aveyron players started the game in the best possible way and scored a second try by captain Clément Vergne, who got past several defenders to make it 20-6.

 

The Millavois signed their fourth victory of the season and their first bonus, Sunday January 26 against Grasse. Centre Presse Aveyron – Jean-Louis Bories

In the first half, the visitors only existed thanks to the foot of their excellent scorer Baron, but they often made mistakes and collected two yellow cards (26th and 38th). And as the lemons approached, the Millavois, in numerical superiority, scored a third try on a penalty touch by the lively prop Thomas Roques. Thus bringing the score to 25-9 and rewarding a first act of fine quality, with finally some efficiency on the Millavois side.

 

The Millavois signed their fourth victory of the season and their first bonus, Sunday January 26 against Grasse. Centre Presse Aveyron – Jean-Louis Bories

Som widened the gap immediately on a penalty from Escalaïs but, taking advantage of the contribution of their bench, the visitors got their hands on the ball again. The South Aveyron players were experiencing a bit of a lull and conceded, in about ten minutes, two penalties and especially a converted try. With a lot of work from their forwards, the Grasse players came back on the heels of the Millavois after an hour of play (28-22).

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A final try from De March synonymous with a bonus

In the stands, anxiety was growing and the supporters feared reliving a scenario already seen this season at the Parc des Sports. Not at all! Showing self-denial and panache, the Somistes got back into gear and obtained penalties after penalties. Escalaïs, author of 18 points on Sunday, converted a penalty in the 75th minute, taking the visitors out of the defensive bonus. Millau led 31-22 and the cherry on the cake, in the final moments of the match, the super-powerful Mel De March scored his team's fourth try, synonymous with an offensive bonus, so precious when the need for points is urgent.

 

The Millavois signed their fourth victory of the season and their first bonus, Sunday January 26 against Grasse. Centre Presse Aveyron – Jean-Louis Bories

Endless stoppages of play concluded the duel, the visitors, competing in the standings, not wanting to leave any additional points to the Millavois. They pushed on the line until the final deliverance, delighting an entire club and its supporters, who came in large numbers. Som finally showed efficiency, both with their hands and their feet, and the forwards, magnificent in their energy and courage, signed a great performance.

If they were nine points behind Grasse, the first non-relegation team, at the dawn of this success, the Millavois have only four left this morning. They are moving forward again, but they will still need points and victories to get out of the red zone and secure their place in Fédérale 2.

Reactions

Baptiste Majorel, Millau coach

It feels good to have a full Sunday. We were able to score and take the lead, but also to keep our heads down when necessary. Very satisfied with the five points that will do us good. But especially satisfied for all the boys who don't cheat and who commit every Sunday with the Som jersey and who, for once, are rewarded. I'm really happy for them. A complete match that allows us to hang on. This club really deserves to stay in Fédérale 2 and we will continue to fight.

Clément Vergne, center and captain of Millau

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