This 17th day of the Nationale 1 held particular importance. Between Grenoble (tied for 1st) and Cavigal handball (3rd), the gap was only two points.
When things don’t go your way… Tonight, Cavigal handball hosted Grenoble for a top-tier match in this pool 4 of the Nationale 1. In the first leg, the Nice team suffered a heavy defeat (37-26) at the end of a match dominated from start to finish by the Isère team.
Determined to do well, Cyril Parmentelot’s men started the match with enthusiasm. Despite a start that was strong, the Cavigal players eventually opened the scoring after more than four minutes of play, successfully navigating a 5 against 7 situation. The game was tense, with the goalkeepers putting in strong performances. Maxime Aicardi stepped in goal, disrupting the opponents’ attacks, who would only score three minutes later. Nice was already leading (4-0). Despite Lucas Luiset receiving a card, the red and black team continued their momentum. The gap even increased to +6 at the quarter-hour mark.
Until the end of the first half, everything was going well (16-12). Although Grenoble finished the first act strongly, the match seemed to be in the locals’ hands.
The engine stalls
Except that in the second half, things didn’t go as planned. Yet, right back on the court, the Cavigal players maintained the pressure by regaining a six-point lead. Grenoble, not very inspired offensively, eventually corrected its aim. Coupled with a stronger defense, the Maralpins’ lead slowly dwindled. Though in the last quarter-hour, Grenoble stayed four points behind (22-18), Nice would not score a single goal in the last twelve minutes! Despite this, the Nice team remained steadfast in defense and managed to secure the draw (24-24).
It was a disappointment despite Cavigal still holding firmly onto its third place because there was certainly more to achieve tonight. Now, they have to prepare for the trip to face the leader Montpellier next Saturday.
