The Gaston-Sauret stadium in Saint-Sulpice-sur-Lèze hosted this quarter-final of the French Regional 3 championship. Dominated by the Gersois in the Occitanie championship (9-21), the Ariégeois found the Gersois of Masseube. A meeting which gave rise to a magnificent fight. Its dramaturgy even gave it the air of an ancient play. USCV, which led the entire match, was still in the lead (16-12) when the 79th minute was played. Masseube had occupied the Ariège camp for a while, the defense held up well. A ball spread at the right tempo, a combination in the center and Barbe darts between the posts for a try which Faulong transforms (16-19, 79th). On the dismissal, a Critourien suffered a double tackle which should have been punished. On the other hand, at the end of the dribble, Roussel collapses under the posts, Faulong transforms and ensures Masseube’s victory (16-26, 80th+3). End of illusions for La Tour-du-Crieu/Verniolle. Frustrating, cruel for a collapsed group who believed in it until the end.
Everything started well for the USCV which came close to a try twice by the winger Mazzoneto, stopped 1 m from the line, and by the third and line and captain Bourgade. It was finally Journou who opened the scoring with a penalty (3-0, 6th). Masseube fights back, the Barbe center concludes a great collective action; transformation of Faulong (3-7, 24th). The Ariégeois quickly regained their senses thanks to a try from Th. Brierre, author of an interception and a long run of 60 m to under the posts; transformation from Garcia (10-7, 31st). Garcia adds a penalty (37th) for a 13-7 at rest.
The second act boils down to a fight where defenses take precedence over attacks. Note the final expulsion of Sécosan a little after the hour mark, which handicapped the men of captain Courage Bourgade. The USCV resists, leads some attacks, well defended. Then comes the end of the match to the great despair of the Ariège supporters who came in large numbers.
us la tour-du-crieu/verniolle 16-masseube xv 26
(MT: 13-7). Field referee: Mr. Adrien Mesplede. Assistant referees: MM. Théo Dazet and Léo Ouvrie. Federal representative: Mr. Alain Pousson.
For La Tour-du-Crieu-Verniolle: 1 try from Th. Brierre (31st); 1 Garcia transformation; 3 penalties from Journou (6th) and Garcia (37th, 42nd).
For Masseube: 4 tries from Barbe (24th, 79th), Bourrec (54th) and Roussel (80th + 3); 3 Faulong transformations.
US LA TOUR-DU-CRIEU/VERNIOLLE. Gola, Soula, Doussat; Calvet, Dal Ponte; Dussau, Bourgade (cap.), Peuch; Amile (m), Th. Brierre (o); Garcia, Séguéla, Arnoux, Mazzonetto; Journou. Substitutes: Secosan, Hubert, Campourcy, Dejean, Moiola, M. Brierre, Calero.
Red card: Secosan (63rd).
MASSEUBE XV. Rousseau, Dastugue, Q. Abadie; Biffi, Rooms; Mullier, E. Abadie, Robert; Moudens (m), Faulong (o); Bourrec (cap.), Barbe, Kapfer, Jounaux; Baque. Substitutes: Curto, Tabti, Roussel, Villemur, Castera, Tilhac, Correger.
Yellow card: Baque (36th).
