Coupe de France 1/8th finals. The Lézignans were unable to seize their chance against a well-organized Limoux team defensively.
The public expected a committed and spectacular match, they were not disappointed. Lézignan and Limoux played a real Lord Derby Cup match, with everything that goes with it: desire, fervor, anger but also moments of class. In this duel at the top everything came down to details. Both teams had announced that patience and discipline would be essential. And it is surely at this level that Limoux has been most consistent. It wasn't just that. The Lézignans had their chances especially during the first period. But dominating is not winning. This is what the green and white will have to remember. The latter spent a major part of this first act in the Limoux area without being able to make the slightest gap, it was only this winning action initiated by Momirovski and well relayed by Fabien Flovie who opened the scoring in Mata'afa. Then the Lézignan shelling will fall on an intractable defense of the Blanquetiers. The latter remain patient and will take advantage of a rare foray into the locals' camp to equalize. Ford, the undisputed man of the match, initiates an action which allows Santo to release a winning ball for Garrouste. The end of the first period remains barren and the two teams return to the locker room with a parity score. The 2nd act is different. Limoux knew how to analyze his shortcomings and correct his small errors. Thanks to a more aggressive defense, the Limoux will gradually outwit their host of the day and above all show great realism. Torreilles well served flush by Ford will put pressure on the green and white. Dall'Asta accentuates it by adding a penalty. The Lézignans will react but their haste and their lack of control does not allow them to cross the web woven by Limoux. However, hope is reborn with a play at the foot of Fabien Flovie for Monteil. But this is just a flash in the pan. Indiscipline is paid for in cash and Dall'Asta takes advantage again by transforming a new penalty. The Limoux, with their small lead, will then manage the end of the match brilliantly. Their stubbornness will even pay off at the very end of the match when Blasi manages to push past Yannis Belmaaziz. It's over, Lézignan did not succeed in his bet and let Limoux slip away from the 1/4 final.
France
