For the resumption of the championship, Stade Niçois traveled to the home of last season’s pool leader, Berre l’Étang. The Niçois secured a draw for this season opener against a direct competitor for promotion to Federal 2.
However, the match will leave some regrets for the players and their management as they failed to impose their rhythm throughout the game. With a favorable wind in the first half, Nice was leading only 13 to 10 at halftime, too penalized in the first period (8 fouls in 15 minutes, 26 throughout the match). The Berre team used this indiscipline to stay in the Nice camp and score through their strength; the rolling maul. It wasn’t until the 35th minute that Nice’s players finally brought some danger into the opponent’s camp by speeding up their play. A beautiful launch by the backs concluded with a personal feat by winger Mael Parcheminer, who bypassed four defenders to score Nice’s only try of the game under the posts.
The second half, against the wind, was a festival of penalties whistled against the Niçois, which prevented them from being able to connect phases of play and impose their speed against an opponent that was heavier but less mobile. Additionally, there was a noticeable failure in Nice’s lineout, due to a lack of understanding among the players regarding the calls.
Nevertheless, given such a game scenario, we could say that the draw is a lesser evil, as CO Berre will offer few teams the opportunity to earn points at Stade de l’Arc. Now, on to a studious week before hosting Bastia next Sunday, where a victory is mandatory!
