Supported by more than fifty fans who came by bus from the Bay of Angels, Nice secured an important victory on Sunday afternoon in Aubenas in the race for qualification (24-13).
As early as the 5th minute, Nice’s kicker Adrien Malavard opened the way for his teammates with a successful penalty (3-0).
Despite the equalizer from Ardèche, Manu Boutet’s men stayed comfortably in the game. In fact, just before the break, winger Josselin Lapierre scored a try (8-3, 35th minute). And although Malavard failed to convert, he provided his team with an eight-point lead just before halftime (11-3).
After the break, Ronny Uipa Sua was temporarily sent off. During this 10-minute period, each team scored a penalty (14-6, 53rd minute). Nice controlled the play.
From then on, a period of coaching began on both sides in the early spring warmth. Adrien Malavard continued his consistent scoring with penalties to give Nice an eleven-point lead (17-6, 56th minute).
Even though Aubenas closed the gap with a converted try (17-13, 58th minute), the Nice team quickly responded. Arnaud Mathet outwitted the opposing defense to give a breather to the Azuréens, confident in their strength. Once again, Adrien Malavard converted, and Nice logically led (24-13, 60th minute).
Despite Karim Dahbi receiving a yellow card (68th minute), nothing else was added to the score. Captain David Penalva and his team achieved a commendable outcome. The most challenging task remains: securing qualification for the final stages of the competition by defeating Grasse on May 1st.
It’s worth noting that the B team defeated Aubenas 20-18.
The team: Guarese (Dahbi, 56th), Faurois, Uipa (Kaikilekofe, 66th) – Boukanoucha, Penalva (captain) (Deerstroff, 63rd) – Espagno, Orméa, Moxham (Mezencev, 56th) – Delmonte (Guerre, 53rd), Mc Hugh – Mathet (Roman, 67th), Kacharava, Keil (Benstaali, 73rd), Lapierre – Malavard
