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During the 15th day of the LFH championship, OGC Nice Handball (5th in the standings) played against Union Mios Biganos-Begles (10th). After a highly tense first match (UMB-B 27-25 OGC Nice), Nice played to a full house to welcome the former teammates of Nice’s captain, Alexandra Lacrabère.
Despite a slow start, OGC Nice did not give much hope to UMB-B.
A first goal after 3 minutes and 30 seconds of play, a second two minutes later, the Nice players struggled to get going, faced a very solid central defense, and took forced shots under referee arm signals. On the other hand, the opponents were much less patient and could not finish their actions. An opposing first goal scored after 8 minutes of play restored their confidence to come back to tie the score (5-5).
After 15 minutes of “getting their bearings,” OGC Nice, led by its captain, who scored 6 goals in the first half, regained control and finished the first half with a score of 13-10.
After returning to the pitch, we saw a re-energized Nice team that left no chance for the opponent. Goals flowed in: counterattacks, set plays, a direct goal from goalkeeper Cléopâtre Darleux—everything worked for them. UMB-B could not cope and fell with a score of 35-22.
For the 16th day of the LFH championship, Nice will face Toulon Saint-Cyr, currently ranked 6th, for a derby promising to be a heated match at the Palais des Sports, on Wednesday, March 4 at 8 PM.
Christelle Del Peschio
