The Oyomens won again this Thursday evening for the fifth consecutive time. Enough to regain hope for the rest of the season which seemed to be off to a bad start.
Oyonnax scored a fifth consecutive victory by winning 34-16 against Brive, with the offensive bonus. The Oyomen, superior throughout the match, logically took the advantage, while the Brivistes, reduced to 14 from the 20th minute, were unable to reverse the trend.
A red card that changes everything
Minor injuries from the first minutes, Carbonneau, injured in the elbow, gave way to Sidobre (3′). Oyonnax quickly took the lead thanks to a try from Johnson, served on a penalty played quickly. Holmes converted to make the score 7-0 (9′). Brive reacted immediately with a successful penalty by Bosch (7-3, 12′).
The Oyomen maintained their domination and Bordenave scored a second try after a great collective comeback. Holmes converted again, widening the gap to 14-3 (16′). Brive reduced the score slightly with a second penalty from Bosch (14-6, 26′), but the Brives found themselves in great difficulty after the exclusion of Ratuva for a dangerous tackle (23′). In numerical superiority, Oyonnax took advantage of the opponent’s indiscipline and Holmes added two penalties (28′ and 40 + 1′), bringing the score to 20-6 at half-time.
At the break, despite some offensives, Brive struggled to compete, with their evening opponent in full confidence who remained on a series of 4 consecutive victories.
-Oyonnax too strong for Brive
The second period began under increasingly dense fog. Brive initially showed good intentions, obtaining a penalty converted by Bosch (20-16, 60′). But the Oyomen quickly took things back in hand thanks to a try from Salles, well served after a penalty played quickly by Ruru. Holmes converted to widen the gap to 27-16 (64′).
The Brivist defense, already weakened by the yellow cards of Johnson (48′) and Vaotoa (54′), gave way again. Geledan flattened in a maul, offering Oyonnax the offensive bonus try (32-16, 71′). Holmes, imperial on the foot, brought the final score to 34-16.
Despite a few attempts in the second half, the Brivistes were unable to achieve anything. The locals, solid in defense and opportunistic in attack, continued their climb in the standings with this deserved victory.
