After the non-match delivered on Saturday evening against the young people of France Avenir and concluded with a clear setback (1-3), we expected a strong reaction from Anisse Guéchou's men. Even the opponent was playing at a higher level. Regardless, the team owed itself and its fans a revenge.
The contract was fulfilled in more than one way with this success (3-0) from start to finish, the Illacais will have lived up to the event. And we cannot pretend that Sète let this match slip away. On the contrary, Arago held on, resisted, believed to gain the upper hand but this Tuesday evening, Illac was inhabited by an unshakeable faith with maximum success and a mastery that we did not yet know about them. A good omen before the visit of leader Ajaccio, next Saturday.
Unsuspected resources
Gauthier Bonnefoy and his partners rose to the occasion in a first set won with forceps 25-23. But a logical advantage as the Illacais have controlled their emotions and their composure against an opponent from the higher division. No fault of bad taste in this initial act. On the contrary with an intractable Ben Romdhane, author of 8 points with an ace and a block, a Bonnefoy, rage in his heart and a well-oiled, determined and convincing collective. The Girondins even managed to lead by 5 (10-5) then by 4 units (21-17) before conceding a 4-0 (21-21) without consequence in the final (25-23).
Suffice to say that the people of Hérault did not necessarily expect such a welcome. Especially after the confusing performance of the Illacais four days earlier in the championship. It remained to be seen whether they would be able to do it again in the next round. We were not disappointed, proof that this team is capable of unsuspected resources when it finds itself against the wall. And the Sétois will undergo a delicate start (10-7), (15-11). It's time for the opposing staff to bring in their 2.09m point guard, Schlienger. The latter will put his team back on track. And allow him to equalize (21-21) after scoring a 4-0. Nothing to disturb the good Illac ordering which saved two match points before concluding with Kaba (26-24).
A gala Bonnefoy
Enough to approach the 3rd set with plenty of confidence even if we tell ourselves that Arago is not going to be fooled. But Saint-Jean-d'Illac is transcended and attacks the round with the same desire, the same determination and the same quality. And this hard work is initially rewarded (8-5) before seeing the Sétois attack their opponent (12-12).
The latter will even take an advantage of 3 points (15-18) but Illac does not give up and comes back with great courage to reach the height (20-20). And the money time is up to the feat that the Girondins are preparing to achieve with a final attack signed by captain Gauthier Bonnefoy, enormous from start to finish and logically elected MVP (25-22).
Saint-Jean-d'Illac 3 – Sète 0
Lieu Saint-Jeand'Illac (Pierre Favre Room) Spectators 300 Referees MM Brassard et Quentin. Sets 25-23 (a 34 min), 26-24 (a 31 min), 25-22 (a 33 min).
SAINT-JEAN-D’ILLAC 45 winning attacks out of 97, i.e. 46% success. 3 aces. 7 blocks. 20 faults including 9 on service.
The points Ben Romdhane 19, Bonnefoy 15, Kaba 7, Guerin 5, Fréderic 8, Bonon 1. Libéro: Kroiss.
SÈTE 38 winning attacks out of 102, i.e. 37% success. 6 aces. 8 blocks. 24 faults including 12 on service.
The points De Leon 8, Gyimah 10, Schlienger 10, Cardin 7, Gauna 8, Elter 9. Libéro: Martino Gauchi.
