In difficulty at the hour mark, Union Sigean-Port-La Nouvelle then accelerated to win with the offensive bonus against Bédarieux (35-13).
A big blue sky, a late summer temperature, well-stocked stands at Roger Couderc. The home premiere of the season for Sigean-Port-La Nouvelle promised a spectacle. Especially after a defeat at the opening of the championship, and a difficult season in Fédérale 3 last year, the Audois were keen to return to victory.
However, we will have to wait almost an hour of play before seeing any sparks from the USP. However, the first act is totally to the advantage of the locals. Fullback Groby restarts from the first minutes, support arrives and Calmet is at the conclusion of the first try after three minutes of play (7-0). But this beautiful action will then give way to a good number of approximations, clumsiness and missed opportunities. Bédarieux also tried to open the game, without success. The Audois then rely on their scorer, two penalties in a quarter of an hour and the gap widens (13-0). Just before half-time, the visiting scorer, without much success, unlocks his team’s counter (13-3).
A real festival in 20 minutes
Returning from the locker room, the Héraultais came back to seven points on a penalty (13-6). But USP gets their hands on the ball again and undermines the opposing defense. The replacement hooker, who has just come on, returns to the bench for 10 minutes. Except that in numerical superiority, Sigean-Port-La Nouvelle will suffer a murderous counterattack. A 60-meter interception to put the two teams back to back (13-13). Everything has to be redone. The locals will then get the cherry on again, at the best time. After a rejected try, the goal kick will give rise to the gag try of the season. The opener hits the post, Grimal is on the lookout and just has to flatten it under his opponents’ noses (20-13).
The USP didn’t need much more to accelerate. On an action close to the touchline, the closed side is chosen by Berthuel, Martin Romero is in support and dives into the promised land after a 40-meter race (25-13). The break is made, but the Audois do not intend to stop there. So close to the offensive bonus. Mael Lucien will score a double in 7 minutes to conclude the match. First on a sharp race at the height of its opener, then on a confusion of the third curtain of Bédarieux (35-13).
Large victory, offensive bonus, and five tries scored, the first at home for Union Sigean-Port-La Nouvelle could not have gone better. If everything has not been perfect, far from it, this success will do good for an entire team to kick off this season.
