CIt was the Charentais who came back the best in this game, Sunday January 19, and after three long periods of play and a touch won, the forwards sent their pillar Chirgadze behind the line. Melinte transformed (7-0, 3rd). The response from Le Havre was not long in coming. After two penalties and a penetrating group, the excellent third row Delai also went for the try which Maillard converted (7-7, 8th).
But the Barbezilo-Jonazcais have in their ranks a scrum half named Julien Berger, also a Belgian international, who has displayed his talent. First on a ball won in touch, the ball went from hand to hand to end up in those of Berger who scored (12-7, 22nd). Maillard reduced the gap with a penalty (12-10, 25th). And after a very good collective action, Berger concluded a second time (17-10, 28th).
Once again Maillard brought his team closer with a new penalty (17-13, 32nd). And that devil Berger had his hat trick by scoring his third try just before the siren. Melinte transformed (24-13, 40th + 1). The Belgian international thus celebrated with dignity the birth of his little girl born only a week ago.
The famous 70th minute
At the restart, the two teams observed each other, wary of each other, so that neither made a notable difference. Despite everything, it was the people of Le Havre who were the first to come out of their shell. After several strong moments they benefited from a penalty. They played the penalty and the penetrating group which followed allowed them to score a new try through Gvaladze, transformed by Adazhynyk (24-20, 69th).
Four small points ahead for the UBJ ten minutes from time, everything remained playable. But the response from the locals was immediate. Nabti was recovering a candle, he transmitted to Berlato who flattened it. Melinte transformed (31-20, 70th). The Normans had just taken a big blow to the head, having returned to the match. And they were going to drink the chalice to the dregs since Melinte scored a penalty under the posts (34-20, 80th).
-A start to the year 2025 which starts with a bang for the Unionists who are to be credited with a superb performance with five tries to boot. Florian Piron, UBJ coach: “This is our best match since the start of the season. We put in the necessary ingredients, both in commitment and in the kicking game. They’re a strong team and we took nine points against them! And then this afternoon we take the offensive bonus. What more could you ask for? »
Barbezieux-Jonzac 34 – Le Havre 20
Lieu Jonzac (stade Chat-Locussol) Spectators 600 Arbitrator M. Quilici Half time 24-13
Barbezieux-Jonzac 5 tries from Chirgadze (3rd), Berger (22nd, 28th, 40th + 1), Berlato (70th); 3 Melinte transformations (3rd, 40th + 1, 70th); 1 penalty from Melinte (80th). Yellow card. Millac (7e). Le Havre 2 tries from Delai (8th), Gvaladze (69th); 2 transformations from Maillard (8th), Adazhynyk (69th); 2 penalties from Maillard (25th, 32nd).
