For this 18th day of Nationale 1, the Niçois of Cavigal handball were playing away in Montpellier. A top-of-the-table match that lived up to all its promises.
Tonight, Cavigal Nice handball had a date for the clash of this 18th day in group 4 of Nationale 1. Opposing MHB’s reserve team, the current leader of group 4, the task looked difficult. Especially since the team from Hérault was on a streak of nine matches without defeat, while the team from Alpes-Maritimes came off a draw against Grenoble. A great performance that benefits neither club since MHB took the opportunity to widen the gap with its two direct followers.
Everything might have been decided in the first few minutes tonight. Montpellier quickly made a lead of more than four. Due to a lack of shooting accuracy from the Niçois and a good start from the Montpellier goalkeeper. Add to that a solid defense from the team from Hérault and the Azuréens would be chasing the score for a long time. It was then that John Nkonda, Lucas Luiset, and Carlos Robles Garcia helped Cavigal get back on track. Eden Speno (5 saves) who started in the first half joined the game by making important saves. The Nice goalkeeper allowed his teammates to tie the score and then take the lead a little before the quarter-hour mark. The Cavigal collective seemed to have regained control of the game. But just before the end of the first half, Montpellier closed the gap thanks to Ronan Diaz (3 goals in two minutes). He gave his team a three-goal advantage at halftime (19-16).
Indiscipline sinks Cavigal
In the second half, Cyril Parmentelot decided to coach the goalkeepers. Maxime Aicardi entered the game. Alongside Florian Graglia, the two men significantly contributed to Cavigal’s comeback in this second act. Trailing (21-17), Cavigal quickly caught up and even took the lead. Alexis Bon, imperial on a seven-meter throw, contributed to the effort, and Cavigal took a +5 advantage fifteen minutes before the end. A comfortable lead that was nullified following a double two-minute penalty given to Lucas Luiset and Carlos Robles Garcia. Alexis Bon was also penalized shortly afterward. Montpellier came back immediately and even overtook.
The score was tight, but Florian Graglia (8 goals) and Maxime Aicardi (8 saves) did not give up. Cavigal got within a goal, but the score didn’t change in the final seconds. Cavigal lost (30-29) and may have regrets. Especially since Grenoble also lost. This was a good opportunity to draw level for second place.
Cavigal remains third in the championship and is preparing to host Aix-en-Provence’s reserve team next Saturday at Pasteur. Kick-off at 8 p.m.