It was an explosion of joy that greeted the final whistle from the referee of the day in Fleurance among the Valencian supporters. The Valencian players, their staff, managers and supporters will be able to have a good end of year celebration. Since November 10 and the 26-23 home defeat against Salles, we have been chasing a victory while four trips loomed, Graulhet, Marmande, Arcachon, and the late match at Fleurance. The first three ended in two defeats with the defensive bonus, in Tarn and on the edge of the basin, and a draw in Marmande. Among the “ciel et blanc”, we did the accounts and the result was clear, a success was needed in Fleurance, on December 22. When you are up against the wall, the pressure is very present but during the week which preceded the shortest trip of the season, the staff prepared their group well, which was missing several of its major elements: the three selected Tunisians , Mohsen Assid, Salem Khanfous and Sabri El Bechir, and Enzo Zaitri who will play the pool to have knee surgery on January 6, 2025, season ended. No matter, the 23 boys coached on the match sheet took up the challenge and did the job against a tough Fleurance team determined to win on their grass, and in front of their many supporters for a gala match with a meal Christmas and festive menu in the presence of numerous guests from the Gers club and several elected officials. The first magistrate of the Valencian city Jean-Michel Baylet was invited as were the Valencian co-presidents, Alain Demo, Patrick Segovia and Sébastien Zazrroca. Many Valencian supporters and former players were also present. In short, it felt like a big-stakes match on both sides. In the first half, the “ciel et blanc” played with the favorable wind and during these first forty minutes on a heavy pitch after the rains of recent days, they occupied the opposing camp, and put fierce defensive pressure on the locals who were never able to break the Valencian curtain. And Hugo Boué's teammates ensured the score at half-time 6-0.
In the second period, while the advantage of the wind was for the Gersois, very quickly the Tarn-et-Garonnais took the upper hand in front, and after a well-crafted “cocotte”, it was the young hooker Enzo Rivier who was propelled into the opposing goal. In the stands, the supporters feel that the shot is playable and they push behind their players and ten minutes from the end, Adrien Alavoine will score a corner try which smelled of victory. Small relaxation on the Tarn-et-Garonnais side and try two minutes from the end which gives the defensive bonus point to the locals. A great victory, difficult but oh so! deserved. On leaving, players received a standing ovation from their supporters.
A beautiful Christmas gift which will surely be well celebrated, before the reception of the Auch leader, on January 12, 2025.
