During this 16th day of the Fédérale 1, Stade Niçois managed to secure a victory at Villeurbanne (22 to 9). A great performance capped off by an offensive bonus point that allows Nice to take the first place in pool 4.
After 3 consecutive home games resulting in 3 victories, Jeremy Malavard’s team traveled this Sunday to the Lyon suburbs to face Villeurbanne, currently in 7th place. Having been defeated 25 to 6 earlier at the Stade des Arboras, Villeurbanne was in a revenge mindset before facing Nice. The team, led by David Bolgashvili, quickly set things straight. In the first half, the home team could not unsettle Nice’s defense and only managed to score a penalty. On the other hand, the visitors crossed the line twice, including a try at the very end of the first half.
The second half was similar. Nice dominated and effectively countered Villeurbanne’s attacks. Moreover, they managed to score a third try, earning the offensive bonus point for the visitors. The two penalties from the home team did not change the outcome. Stade Niçois won 22 to 9 and took 5 points.
Tied with Dijon and Bourgoin before this 16th day, Nice strengthened their position in this trio. Firstly, Bourgoin struggled but won at Chambery 19 to 15, without securing the offensive bonus point. Dijon, however, outclassed La-Seyne-sur-Mer (Nice’s next opponent) with that additional point (10-29). Tonight, Nice is in first place tied with Dijon (62 points), just ahead of Bourgoin (61 points), and far ahead of the 4th place, Hyères Carqueiranne with 48 points.
It has been a successful week for the Stade as the city council extended its moral and financial commitment.
The next meeting is in two weeks with a home game against La-Seyne-sur-mer.
