The Stade Niçois won (17-12) against Chambéry. They remain leaders and unbeaten at home.
After their defeat last week in Suresnes, the Niçois wanted to get back on the winning track in front of their home crowd. Still unbeaten at Arboras, Alexandre Compan’s men controlled the game and secured their eleventh victory on their home ground. Yet, it was the Savoyards who scored first with a penalty. But as often happens, the Niçois responded with their play and crossed the line for the first time in the match. It was the captain of the evening, Tom Murday, who scored this try, well served by Delas. After nine minutes of play, the Niçois regained the lead. The visitors did not give up and came back within a point thanks to another penalty.
Discipline was the dark spot in the Niçois’ first half. Matéo Jeune Joly received a yellow card in the twentieth minute. He left his teammates down to 14 for ten minutes. But even with a numerical disadvantage, the Niçois’ attack continued to score. After a magnificent diagonal kick by Mathis Viard, Berenguel scored the second try of the match. The red and black side gained some breathing room. They led (14-6). Under pouring rain and difficult conditions, Stade Niçois led (14-9) after the first forty minutes.
A Less Eventful Second Half
Both teams were back to 15 against 15. However, the score did not change, and both teams canceled each other out. The weather conditions did not help in producing beautiful play. The Niçois were content to maintain their lead. They even scored a new penalty in the 57th minute. The visitors also scored three points. Stade Niçois won the battle and this duel. Mathis Viard’s teammates maintained their home invincibility. They strengthened their leading position and prepared well for their upcoming three away games.
Respectively, in Massy, Bressane, and Bourgouin-Jailleul. They will have to keep up the pace and try to glean points away to maintain this top spot. The first meeting, then, is next week against Massy.
