From our special correspondent in Amriswil
Amriswil : 1
VB rounds: 3
Tours VB took a first step towards the quarter-finals of the CEV Cup by winning in Amriswil, this Wednesday January 15, at the end of a match where the Swiss still showed good resistance.
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The TVB started the game by immediately showing the aggression necessary to take the lead, helped by the power of Sclater, supported by Marshman and Pothron. The Tourangeaux, after making the break (11-17), nevertheless saw the Swiss react and put pressure on at the end of the round (19-22). But Tours did not get trapped and put in the effort necessary to take the lead (19-25).
Marcelo Fronckowiak’s men did not let up in the second set, taking the advantage again by imposing their game (4-8, then 10-14). But the locals showed great resistance, like Urueña, strong in the block, to stay in the wake of the Tourangeaux (14-15, then 19-20). Once again, Tours nevertheless showed itself to be the most efficient in the money-time, to take a two-set lead (21-25).
The Swiss reaction
The third act offered a much harsher battle which maintained the suspense. Because if Tours initially seemed to be heading towards a clear and flawless success (7-10, then 11-14), it suddenly lost its consistency and gave the Swiss the opportunity to come back, then move in front (17- 16). Neck to neck until the end, the TVB ended up giving in (25-23) and was forced to prolong the fight.
Galvanized by his audience, Amriswil did not give up and, rejuvenated, then gave the Tourangeaux a change (5-6, then 11-10). But Coric and his partners then accelerated to widen the gap (11-16), and finally managed to maintain their lead until the end against the valiant Swiss (22-25). The work will now have to be finished in Grenon in two weeks.
The sets: 19-25, 21-25, 25-23, 22-25.
