Sunday January 17, in its Palestra, Chaumont VB 52 Haute-Marne this time did not miss the opportunity to reach the top of the ranking, dominating Tourcoing in three sets. A victory whose result reflects the solidity of the Cévebist group.
After Montpellier's disappointment the day before against Paris (0-3), Chaumont VB 52 Haute-Marne had the opportunity, during the reception of Tourcoing, Sunday January 19 in Palestra, to join its opponent of the day and the Héraultais on the throne of the Marmara Spikeleague. This time, CVB 52 did not miss the opportunity, by correcting Tourquennois who were constantly dominated in the game.
After the first exchanges, the Cévebistes are the first to highlight themselves. The services of Pierre Toledo put the Northerners in difficulty, allowing the first gap (7-4). The visitors will long contest an equalizing ball at “9-9” certainly touched up by Pierre Toledo on the Tourquennois block, but not seen by the referee nor by the video images. A long stoppage in play which does not impact the ambitions of Chaumontais. The latter resume their march forward thanks to an effective “block/defense” (13-10). The services of Pablo Kurkatsev will create an illusion (18-17). But a new point contested by the visitors, but this time verified by video, offers a crucial advantage to the locals (21-18). The excellent work of the Haut-Marne counter line finished the job: 25-22 in 29′.
Great defensive solidity
The first three points scored by CVB 52 at the start of the second round were quickly annihilated by their opponents (3-3). While the two teams engage in a nice “arm wrestling”, it is another long “video interruption” which costs the Northerners dearly in the following exchanges (8-8, then 12-9). Always forced to chase the score, the Tourquennois are necessarily in a more uncomfortable situation than their hosts. The latter can count on the “magic hands” of Joseph Worsley and the solidity of the “boss of the defense”, Sebastian Closter, to assert their superiority. In unison, the Chaumontais disgusted their counterparts (16-13, then 22-14). The victory of the set is no longer in doubt: 25-17 in 27 minutes.
In this duel of “tenors”, the CVB 52 took the upper hand in the game, as the start of the third round once again proves. The slightest approximation from Tourquennoise is immediately punished by the locals (5-3). But Tourcoing has not dominated the championship for four months for nothing. The co-leader has resources and proves it by quickly getting back to the score (5-5). He even gets his first “break” of the game (11-13). But faced with the solidity of the Cévebist “block”, the advantage does not last (13-13). Playing a huge part on the defensive level, Chaumont appears much more serene, more sure of himself. Like a feverish Pablo Kurkatsev who unleashes two “one-on-one” attacks in this third act, Tourcoing does not have the nerves strong enough to resist the Cévebist fury (19-19, then 23-20) . The match ends logically: 25-22 in 30 minutes.
CVB 52 joins its opponent and Montpellier on the heights of the Marmara Spikeligue, for a second part of the season which promises to be thrilling.
-Laurent Génin
The technical sheet
Chaumont beats Tourcoing 3 sets to 0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-22)
In Chaumont (Palestra). 1,262 spectators. Referees: MM. Gilbert and Bouacheria.
CHAUMONT VB 52 HM : 43 winning attacks (Toledo 13); 8 winning blocks (Holdaway 3); 0 winning serves; 19 unforced errors (Henno 5).
Six de départ: Worsley (cap., 2), Holdaway (11), Henno (8), Suihkonen (10), Toledo (14), Maase (6). Free : Closter. Input: Pastor (-). Enter. : S. Prandi.
TOURCOING VBLM: 34 winning attacks (Kurkatsev 12); 7 winning blocks (Parkinson 3); 1 winning service (Kurkatsev 1); 24 unforced errors (Kurkatsev 9).
Starting six: Tizi-Oualou (1), Luengas (11), Roehrig (cap., 5), Kurkatsev (13), Martinez Franchi (6), Parkinson (6). Libéro : Loubeyre. Entries: Lavigne (-), Hutcheson (-), Louchart (-). Enter. : D. Rougeyron.
