There was no use of the light of a flash photo to illuminate the legitimacy of Tours' victory this Sunday at the Loch stadium in Auray. Between the third in the ranking at 45 points and the twelfth and last at 12 points, the logic was respected.
The PARC players, however, did not have to be ashamed of this new failure, as they showed such investment, determination and desire. So much so that they were the first to find the promised land in this meeting, on a breakaway from Jamgotchian after only eight minutes of play. Without really dominating the debates, the Tourangeaux gradually recovered their handicap via a penalty from Frauciel ( 14') and an essay of the same (25'), transformed by its author. An additional penalty from the same player, at the half-hour mark, explained more clearly the visitors' further lead (5-13) at the break.
A vain reaction of pride
Never dejected morally, Régis Loubéry's players struggled in the second half to try to come back to the score, but succumbed to the cold realism of a generally better organized Touraine team. Opportunities were rare to hope to turn the tide, while De Lauzon's attempt from the restart (42') significantly complicated the Morbihannais' task. What's more, Le Maître, a full-back, hit the nail on the head just before the hour mark (59') with a third unconverted try (5-23). The cause was heard and Auray even drank the chalice to the dregs with a fourth try, a sign of an offensive bonus for the Tourangeaux, the work of winger Delai in added time (5-28). Auray thus closes 2024 with the hope of better days.
The technical sheet
Referee: Mr. Boulo (Pays de la Loire).
The points
AURAY: 1 try from Jamgotchian (84').
US TOURS : 3 tries from Frauciel (25'), De Lauzon (42'), Le Maître (59'), Delai (80'+1); 2 penalties (14', 32'); 1 conversion (32') from Frauciel.
Warnings: Rio (24'), M. Murcia (61') in Auray.
