On this Sunday, December 1st, VALXV went to a stadium where the local Auterive team had not played for more than a year. Suffice to say that the challenge could seem insurmountable.
It was Team II which first took to the pitch at 2 p.m., crowned with its invincibility. For the first time this season, she would have to give it her all to pocket a ninth victory with a score of 20-41 with 7 tries. In the ranking: 1. VALXV with 44 points; 2. Masseube with 39 points; 3. Montréjeau with 33 points.
At 3:30 p.m., it was the turn of the two leading teams to face off on the Ramier pitch, victory being imperative for both, in order to remain in the leading group.
The first quarter of an hour is to the advantage of SAA which dominates. After a missed penalty from the local scorer, it was the Valquinzistes who, in the 23rd minute, were the first to find the flaw in the opposing defense: Clanet, after a fine movement, opened the way to the try, which Monge eager to transform. 0-7. The reaction of the SAA will be rapid and five minutes later, the 3rd line Toniolo will materialize a beautiful sequence for a try between the posts, transformed by Fouet. 7-7, that will be the score at the break, nothing is certain.
Almost fatal indiscipline
The start of the second period plunges VALXV back into doubt, with the latter committing numerous faults, which in the 61st minute will allow Fouet to add a penalty, bringing the score to 10-7 for SAA.
The blacks from Arize are penalized a lot, and two yellow cards will reduce them to 13. The locals think they have done the hardest part at the hour mark, but the Valquinzist bench will allow them to pick up the score and go ahead. In the 63rd minute, on a rebound ball poorly negotiated by the locals, Subra's men chose this moment to accelerate and outflank the Auterive defense; Cazaurang is there and points out a try which Monge transforms. Score: 10-14.
The last quarter of an hour will see a rain of penalties fall on VALXV, the opponent choosing penalties within 15 to 22 meters of black, but the defense of the latter will be heroic and will remain airtight, letting nothing slip through. . On a final penalty obtained, VALXV kicks in and the referee whistles the end of the match.
VALXV suffered to overcome the AAS at the end of a tight game which never broke free, and will be satisfied with the victory which allows it to slightly consolidate its second place. In the ranking: 1. Montréjeau with 37 points; 2. VALXV with 30 points; 3. Eauze with 27 points.
Next Sunday, rest. On December 15, the return phase will begin with the reception of Masseube XV in Daumazan.
