A dream has passed. Undefeated before the meeting, the BBH knew that it would have to beat the ogre Metz to get its hands back on the championship, a consecration which has eluded it since 2021 and which would have allowed its trainer Pablo Morel and almost half of the team to leave the tip of Brittany, in a few weeks, with a title. It will most certainly not be the case.
Because if they maintain the lead for the moment, the Brestoises only owe it thanks to a late match from Messines. By winning in the four matches that remain to be played, the latter will be assured of retaining their crown, thanks to a better goal difference during the direct confrontations with Brest. And it is difficult to see how Emmanuel Mayonnade’s protégés, as dominant on the national and European scene and experienced in this kind of deadlines, could miss such a great opportunity.
“In warrior mode”
On the way out, at the Metz Arena, the Rebels had nevertheless found the right formula to achieve a victory full of hope. They therefore knew the ingredients that they would have to put in this return match, final before time, to repeat this performance. A narrow and winding path which would pass through their ability not to let the Messines dictate their pace. And this, from the kick-off. To achieve this, faced with a collective as well-oiled as it was sure of its strength, the partners of Julie Foggea, preferred to Cléopatre Darleux reduced to following the meeting from the stands, had a very clear idea in mind: to take their opponents onto the field physical challenge, imposing a constant fight on them. In other words, switch to “warrior mode” from the start, as they had announced. It was still necessary to be able to demonstrate it.
Still haunted by their crippling start to the Coupe de France semi-final, the Finisterians did not miss this time. Despite a few losses of balls, the consequences of which we would have to wait until the final whistle to assess, they initially showed no complexes, conveying the image of a team having learned from their past mistakes (9-6, 17 ‘). At half-time, despite the Messines’ comeback (11-11), the 4,285 spectators (a new record for the BBH) at the Brest Arena could rejoice: they were going to have the right to attend a match, a real. A constant fight, sometimes choppy but always intense, to which the Dragonesses would however respond tit for tat.
The Messines too strong
Because if no one has ever doubted it, Metz remains Metz. A merciless machine for crushing adversity. Led by their individualities (Sako, Jorgensen, Bouktit and Valentini in the lead), and under the eyes of coach Olivier Krumbholz, the Messines suddenly moved up a gear, almost as if nothing had happened. Valuable in the first half, Carslon and Maslova lost their effectiveness when the visitors lived up to their eloquent record. Back in front on the scoreboard (12-13, 34′), they then picked up the thread of the match, never to let go. A painful outcome for the Brestoises, which nevertheless leaves little to complain about.
Datasheet
Referees: MM. Carmaux and Mursch
Half time: 11-11
Final score: 19-24
4,285 spectators
BREST BH: Filter (12 saves/35 shots), Foggea (0/1) – Toublanc (0 goal/1 shot), Mauny (0/0 (/)), Lassource (0/0), Faure (1/4), Kouyaté (1/4), Foppa (2/2), N’Diaye (0/0), Carlson (4/10), Coatanéa (1/1), Maslova (7/13), Barbosa (3/6), Dembélé (1/2)
Temporary expulsions: N’Diaye (24′, 47′), Coatanéa (44′)
METZ HB: Sako (14 saves/33 shots), Sinceet (1/1) – Valentini (6 goals/8 shots), Grijseels (0/2), Hansen (2/3), Jorgenseb (8/13), Brkic (0/ 0), Burgaard (1/6), Mlamali (0/0), Jacques (1/1), Bouktit (4/5), Granier (1/3), Chambertin (0/0), Le Blevec (0/ 0).
Temporary expulsions: Granier (17′), Bouktit (33′)
Permanent expulsion. Grijseels (19′)
