Saintes did not turn the other cheek. After the little slap received at home against Vesoul, Yannick Verdier's protégés puffed out their chests and bounced back immediately, this Saturday, November 16, in Franconville, facing an Ile-de-France agreement which was eaten up very quickly and in all areas of the game.
With Touré on fire from the start (three goals in six minutes), Saintes quickly took the lead (1-6), completely suffocating his opponent through maximum defensive intensity and rare efficiency on bullet rises, after ammunition recovered. The Ile-de-France residents returned to three units for a time (3-6) before losing the thread for good, in unexpected proportions (3-10, 6-17).
“From start to finish”
An ideal scenario which obviously satisfied Yannick Verdier: “This match, we took it easy even though it was not expected that there would be so much difference. We made sure to make it peaceful. We had a very strong performance in the first half. We were solid. On the opposing starts, we were always in good timing, with aggressiveness. We fought back in defense, with a good goalkeeper behind (13 saves for Spady). And then, on the wide open spaces, with our quality of speed, we were efficient. »
With a major lead at rest (11-23), synonymous with a folded match, it was enough to manage the second act. Mission accomplished for the Saintes coach: “We were penalized more, we were a little behind on our actions but, overall, we were very serious. We never doubted. We maintained a sufficient average level to avoid scaring ourselves. We were united. It's very good from start to finish. » With a trip to Dreux and the reception of Mulhouse, the next ones could settle the ranking. Or not.
Élite Val-d'Oise 28 – Saintes 39
Lieu Franconville (Sports Center) Half time 11-23 Referees MM. Quesney et Copez
Elite Val-d'Oise Markers. Abdou-Msa 3, Brito 3, Clusel 4, Dallemagne 2, Delobel 3, Ismaili 6, Lavialle 3, Lowe 1, Rance 1, Scattolari 2. Saintes Markers. Blanchard 6, S. Chatillon 1, Fouchier 3, Gory 1, Hakiki 2, Le Fur 2, Lebon-Mannou 4, Lenclume 6, Margnoux 2, Rosier 3, Touré 9.
