Volleyball: the Narbonne Centurions fulfill their contract at the Arena against Plessis-Robinson

Elisée recluse, anarchist theoretician of the 19th century, figure of the Commune, postulated this unvarnished: “To vote is to abdicate.” Be dear Elisée… No offense, and in the hope that you will not be offended from beyond, this Saturday evening, at the Arena, the Narbonnais spectators had indeed voted at the start of the match. And it was to the Narbonne Centurions that all their votes went. Narbonne! Facing the bottom of the championship, Le Plessis-Robinson, they hoped to witness the third victory of their team – penultimate in this same championship – at home this season.

However, we noticed in this first set that the Centurions were not necessarily trying to seduce their voters. Not that they are collapsing in the polls, but they are not breaking their glass ceiling all the same. They were actually on par with Le Plessis-Robinson. A disappointment because we perceived them to be more beautiful, the people of Narbonne. In the Audois stable, the sharp Canadian Schouten and captain Zanotti stood out for their few brilliant moves. In the block, Wiltenburg and Touré ensured. It wasn't enough to escape the score. Worse: it was the Ile-de-France residents who won the first round: 25-27 and 1 set 0 for Le Plessis.

Only cowards slow down

The campaign continued. Because they had decided it and ultimately only cowards slow down, the Narbonne Centurions accelerated in the second round. Mild understatement. They were rolling over the Robinsonnais. Facing the highest block in France – almost 2.15 m! – central Narbonnais Wiltenburg proved irresistible and disgusted his opponents: 25-17, a set everywhere.

Inexplicably, the poll curve reversed once again at the start of the third set. Le Plessis went so far as to lead 14-10. From there, the Ile-de-France residents, stuck in the voting booth, would no longer really see the light of day. The Narbonnais picked up the score. Thanks to Schouten, Patte, Wiltenburg and Touré. And of course Zanotti: 25-23, 2 to 1 for Narbonne. The Herr-Schouten duo – passer-pointer – worked well, and Patte and Zanotti were monsters of desire and dexterity.

In the fourth round, the two candidates stuck to the shorts. We felt that there was not a world of difference between Narbonne and Le Plessis either. Even if the former exuded more assurance, more certainty. Patte and Schouten continued their meeting. Two stage beasts, two Volleyball animals. We prayed that the Centurions would not give up any points to their evening opponents. In the block, Touré seemed determined to work in this direction. Victory ! 26-24 and 3 sets to 1. The favorite won, the best won.

Far from giving up, the people of Narbonne slipped the ballot into the ballot box this Saturday evening. This Tuesday, they will challenge Martigues (Ligue B) in the French Cup with the hope of qualifying for the next round.