The water polo players of Olympic Nice Natation achieved a genuine feat in the first leg of the semi-final of the French championship. In their stronghold of Jean-Bouin, Samuel Nardon’s men defeated the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille team (9-6), who were the reigning French champions.
Along with Montpellier, Marseille is considered a favorite in this final phase of the French Water Polo Championship. It was therefore in the role of the underdog that the Nice team hosted the Marseillais.
In the early moments of the match, the Nice players are outclassed by their evening opponents. The CNM water polo players logically open the score after three minutes of play. Benoît Bry, ONN’s goalkeeper, performs brilliantly and keeps his team afloat. The Nice players eventually manage to equalize thanks to a beautiful team effort. Samuel Nardon’s men even take the lead in the wake of a well-executed counterattack.
At the end of the first quarter, the Nice team is ahead 3 goals to 2. The azure water polo players feel inspired. They continue to stand up to the Marseillais. After the second quarter, the Nice team leads 5 goals to 4.
Benoît Bry puts on a show
At the start of the third quarter, the Nice team creates a gap and leads 6 goals to 4. The Phocaean water polo players close in to within one goal before the locals gain some breathing room again. At the beginning of the last quarter, the Nice team leads 7 goals to 5. And this fourth quarter belongs to Benoît Bry. The Niçois last line of defense makes multiple crucial saves. He even has the luxury of stopping a Marseille penalty.
This is the turning point of the match, and the spectators know it: Benoît Bry is applauded by the crowd.
The water polo players of Olympic Nice Natation ultimately triumph 9 goals to 6, to the general astonishment. “They did it,” exclaims the announcer.
However, they must not stop there. The Nice players will need to confirm next week for the return match in Marseille.
