French D1 / J6 Championship – The Pioneers still in the game

The return phase of the Elite Championship begins with a hung day, especially in Conference B where all games ended with a gap of 7 points or less. And we had the right to an ultra tense derby between the Blue Stars and the Argonauts. In conference A, the leaders did the job and the Pioneers confirmed their ambitions.

Results of the 6^th daytime

Conference A

Thonon Black Panthers (5-1-0) 55 – Saint Ouen Cougars (1-5) 15

The second part of the season starts perfectly for the Black Panthers, who retain the lead in Conference A by still taking care of the point difference. Quickly in the game in front of their public, the Thononais opened the scoring from the 1^time minute on a run by RB Nicolas Khandar. The first of 8 touchdowns scored by the locals this Saturday, and the first of a hat-trick for Khandar. Also note the new good performance of QB José Tabora Jr.

Again dominant on both sides of the field, the Black Panthers finished with 471 yards gained, against only 147 for Cougars exceeded. Small consolation for the club of 95, they scored the highest total of points against Thonon this year, with 15…

Flash of La Courneuve (5-1-0) 27 – Molossers of Asnières (3-3)

The return phase also begins with a success for the Flash, even if it was much more disputed against the combative Molossers. The neighbor of 92 notably made almost equal play in 1^time halftime chopped by penalties, since La Courneuve only led 13-9 after the first 2 quarters. The defending champion then managed to make the difference, thanks to an attack better in place which scored twice, and with a defense which did not concede anything.

Note the big atmosphere in a full Geo André stadium. With this new victory, the Flash remains in contact with the Black Panthers at the top of the ranking.

Amiens Spartans (0-6) 12 – Touraine Pioneers (3-3) 22

In the coup at the end of the first leg, the Pioneers confirmed their ambitions for the playoffs by going to win in Amiens this weekend. The balance sheet regains balance and allows the Tourangeaux to join the Molossians. For the Spartans, the weeks follow each other and look alike, with a 6^th loss in 6 games…

The first leg, which was played during the 1^time day, had been very attached (28-24 victory of the Pioneers). This return match was a little less so. Sharper, the promoted made the difference in 1^time half-time, by scoring all of their points and returning to the locker room with a fairly clear advantage (6-22). The reaction of the Spartans had the merit of existing in 2^th halftime, but that wasn’t enough to close the gap. The maintenance mission promises to be complicated in Picardy.

Conference B

Argonauts of Aix en Provence (1-5) 0 – Blue Stars of Marseille (5-0) 7

We had been used to one-sided derbies for a few games, but this one delivered with a tense encounter. No team has indeed managed to make the difference throughout the meeting, and we thought we were witnessing an unprecedented event with a 0-0 draw looming. But everything was finally decided in the last minute, with a liberating touchdown for the Blue Stars and cruel for the Argonauts.

Each team will be able to take something positive from this hung match. For the Marseillais, the satisfaction of pursuing the faultless, by seeking victory on the wire and in the mind, and despite the absence of many players. It’s obviously not the best performance of the Blue Stars, but it will surely have a special resonance in their season. For the Argos, this result still proves that the team is stronger and more competitive than at the start of the season. This bodes well for picking up some victories and maintaining the game.

Catalan Grizzlies (4-1-1) 10 – Nice Dolphins (3-2) 6

In the first leg, the Grizzlys won by 5 points in Nice. And in a return match again very tight, the Catalans again took the upper hand. The two teams were almost back to back at half-time, with a small point advantage for the locals (7-6). Then after the break, only a field-goal was scored for the Grizzlys to secure a short but valuable victory. Too undisciplined on this meeting, the promoted Nice lose for the 2^th times of the season.

Grizzlys overtake weekend opponent in standings to take 2^th conference place B. A great operation for the playoffs.

Grenoble Centaurs (0-6) 14 – Toulouse Bears (3-1-2) 16

There are defeats which hurt more than others… Yet accustomed to losing this season, the Centaurs will surely have headaches this week after the terrible scenario of the weekend… Under the wind and the rain of Grenoble, the locals showed an aggressive and sharp face at the start of the match, and they were rewarded with 2 touchdowns from Brazilian RB Roney Meneses. At the break, the Grenoble team thus led 14-0 and finally imagined a first success in the league.

Unfortunately, the physiognomy of the match was reversed in the second half, and the Bears managed to turn the situation around to finally win. A nice reaction from Toulouse, and a more than frustrating defeat for the Centaurs.