Partly cloudy skies provided a backdrop for a thrilling rugby match between Les Étailes Filantes and Les Ours de Lyon. The home team emerged victorious with a final score of 29-24 in a contest filled with momentum shifts, crucial moments, and disciplinary action.
The first half sees Les Ours de Lyon strike early, with a try in the 3rd minute putting them ahead. A conversion followed, giving them an initial 7-0 lead. However, Les Étailes Filantes responded strongly, scoring three tries of their own in quick succession (11th, 13th, and 17th minutes) to take the lead. The home side’s kicking accuracy faltered, with two conversions being missed in the first half, allowing Les Ours de Lyon to close the gap. A penalty in the 25th minute further extended their lead to 14-17 at the half-time whistle.
The second half began with Les Étailes Filantes regaining their composure. A try in the 43rd minute, followed by a conversion, restored their lead to 21-17. However, the momentum swung back to Les Ours de Lyon when a try in the 45th minute, followed by a successful conversion, leveled the score at 21-21. Discipline played a significant role in the latter stages of the game. A red card for a Les Ours de Lyon player in the 49th minute, followed by a yellow card for another in the 55th minute, hampered their ability to compete. Les Étailes Filantes capitalised on this, scoring two more tries (53rd and 57th minutes) to extend their lead to 29-21. Despite a late try and conversion from Les Ours de Lyon in the 59th and 60th minutes respectively, they were unable to overturn the deficit. A second red card for Les Ours de Lyon in the 62nd minute sealed their fate.
Théo Leclerc of Les Étailes Filantes was a standout performer, scoring a try and contributing to the team’s dominant attacking display. The player who scored the first try for Les Ours de Lyon, Théophile, also contributed with a conversion. The red cards for Les Ours de Lyon players, while impactful, ultimately proved costly.
The final score reflects a hard-fought contest, with Les Étailes Filantes’ resilience and ability to capitalise on their opportunities proving decisive. The match saw a total of three yellow cards and two red cards issued throughout the game, highlighting the physicality and intensity of the encounter. The five tries scored by Les Étailes Filantes, coupled with two conversions, ultimately proved too much for Les Ours de Lyon to overcome.