This Friday evening, Stade Niçois traveled to US Bressane for the 24th day of the Nationale. After an eventful match, the Niçois won in Bourg-en-Bresse (29-33) and maintained their position as the league leaders.
Winning to keep the lead in the championship was the goal of the Niçois, who traveled to Bourg-en-Bresse this Friday evening. The Stade Niçois returned to the field a week after being awarded a victory by default against Blagnac (general forfeit). Tonight, the Niçois challenged US Bressane, 12th in the championship. This was the first of the last three matches that Stade Niçois will play this season. Victory was therefore imperative to secure promotion to Pro D2.
The match began well for the Niçois, with Mathis Viard successfully scoring a penalty in the first minute (0-3). However, the first try of the match was scored by Bourg-en-Bresse shortly after. The conversion was successful, and US Bressane took the lead (7-3). The Niçois quickly responded. After a good maul following a lineout, the captain, Tom Murday, grounded the ball in the in-goal area. The conversion was unsuccessful (7-8).
Eventful First Half on Both Sides
The Niçois were challenged in this first half. A penalty allowed Bourg-en-Bresse to regain the lead. Stade Niçois gained some breathing room with a second try, scored by Martin Freytes (10-15). But the Violets came back to within two points with another converted penalty (13-15). The two teams would not let go. The boot of Mathis Viard extended the Niçois’ lead (13-18). The Niçois faltered once more before the break, conceding another try in the match (20-18).
The start of the second half favored the Niçois. They capitalized on this momentum with a third try, scored by Jules Solinas, following a personal feat. The conversion was unsuccessful (20-23). A penalty brought the two teams level again (23-23).
Niçois Under Pressure
Once again, the Niçois took the lead, thanks to a kick by Mathis Viard (23-26). With half an hour remaining in the match, nothing was decided. Two penalties gave US Bressane the lead (29-26). But on a final opportunity, Stade Niçois went for the win. In a final Niçois assault, Ramiha Smiler scored the fourth red-and-black try of the match, securing the victory (29-33).
The Niçois remain unbeaten in 2024 and retain their first-place position in the championship. The next match for Stade Niçois will take place on Saturday, April 6th. The Niçois will travel to Bourgoin-Jallieu for the penultimate round of the championship. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
