Defeated (25-23) in the final moments by Bourgouin, Stade Niçois loses first place in Nationale.
Traveling to Bourgouin’s field, the Niçois wanted to end this last away game of the regular season with a victory. But not everything went as planned.
The Maralpins were caught off guard by a try from the home team in just the third minute of play. They would chase the score until the 28th minute and another try from Bourgouin. But Alexandre Compan’s men did not let themselves be discouraged and scored a crucial try at the buzzer. At halftime, they were trailing (18-13).
The Niçois believed they could snatch the victory
Returning to the field, they had better intentions and the visitors came within two points. And by the 53rd minute, their efforts were rewarded. They scored a try through Sione Angaaelangi, who scored his second of the night. The play was set up after a five-meter lineout, in the same setup as the first try. The hooker put Nice back in front on the scoreboard.
But with fifteen minutes left, Bourgouin dashed the hopes of victory for the Niçois, who would not come back on the score. The red and blacks were defeated (25-23). They remain in the top 2 and will host the new leader Albi for the last day of the regular season.
