On Wednesday evening, Olympic Nice Natation hosted Strasbourg for the first leg of the Pro A French Championship semi-final in water polo. The Nice team secured an 11-10 victory at the end of a closely contested match. They will need to secure their qualification in Alsace in 3 days.
The Nice water polo players had a strong start to the match as they led 1-0 after only 15 seconds of play. However, Strasbourg quickly got back into the game with a rapid equalizer. Despite 3 exclusions, the Nice team maintained a one-goal lead at the end of the first period, leading 4 goals to 3.
At the start of the second period, Samuel Nardon’s men extended their lead to 2 goals. Meanwhile, the Alsatians were struggling with their shots, hitting the crossbar 3 times. Two minutes before halftime, thanks to their number 9, Arnaud Jablonski, the Nice team even managed to extend their lead to 3 goals, leading 9 to 6. Just before the break, the Strasbourg team closed the gap to 2 goals, thanks to the fourth goal by their number 5, Romain Blary.
At halftime, Nice was leading 10 to 8.
In the last two periods, the score changed little. Nice scored a goal early in the third period, while Strasbourg netted two. By the end of this period, the score was 11 to 10 for Nice. Towards the end of the match, defenses dominated and no additional goals were scored by either side.
Yet, with 10 seconds left in the game, Strasbourg was awarded a penalty. Without success. Ultimately, in a tight and tense finish, Nice claimed a home victory of 11 to 10 against Strasbourg.
The return match will be held in Strasbourg on Saturday, June 4th. The winner will qualify for the final of the Pro A French Championship. Nice will have to give their utmost to overcome their opponent and secure their place in the final.
