NIORT, France – Niort RC continued its climb away from the Nationale relegation zone with a hard-fought 26-20 victory over Périgueux on Saturday, , at Stade Espinassou. The win, secured in front of a robust crowd of 2078, provides a significant boost to Damien Neveu’s side as they navigate a crucial block of fixtures.
The match wasn’t without its challenges for Niort. Despite ultimately prevailing, they faced a determined Périgueux outfit and had to overcome early pressure. The first period saw Périgueux take an initial lead with a penalty, but Niort quickly responded, finding their rhythm and exploiting space on the wings.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Menzel cleared the ball for Tom Marché, who finished in the corner. The try ignited the home crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in Niort’s favor. Marché continued to be a pivotal figure, adding a second try just before halftime after a powerful charge from Le Roux. Fuertes converted both, sending Niort into the break with an 18-3 advantage.
The second half saw a resurgence from Périgueux. They clawed their way back into the contest, reducing the deficit to 21-13 with a try in the 70th minute, finished by Gest-Flory and converted by Kotze. However, Niort’s resilience proved decisive. Under pressure, Fuertes extended the lead with a 20-meter drop goal, bringing the score to 21-13.
Niort sealed the victory with a try from Himmer in the 79th minute, capitalizing on a penalty touch. While Périgueux managed a late consolation try – a collective effort from their forwards – it wasn’t enough to deny Niort the win. Kotze converted the late try, finalizing the score at 26-20.
Tom Marché was undoubtedly the standout performer for Niort, scoring a brace of tries and consistently threatening the Périgueux defense with his pace and agility. His performance earned him recognition as the man of the match.
The victory is particularly significant for Niort, who recently secured a valuable point in a 24-17 defeat against Nice on . This latest result further distances them from the bottom of the Nationale standings and strengthens their position in the fight for survival.
Périgueux, despite the defeat, secured a bonus point for their efforts. However, they will be left to rue missed opportunities and a lack of discipline, with players Massyn, Falatea, and Merigan receiving yellow cards throughout the match.
The Highlights
33rd minute: After sustained pressure on the Périgueux line, Menzel cleared the ball for Marché who finished in the corner.
Niort – Périgueux, 8-3.
40th + 1 minute: A huge charge from Le Roux on the right side created space, and the ball eventually found Marché, who scored again in the corner. Fuertes converted.
Niort – Périgueux, 18-3.
45th minute: Niort projected into the opposing 22m, but Le Roux dropped the ball while attempting to score.
62nd minute: Kotze converted a penalty in front of the posts.
Niort – Périgueux, 18-6.
70th minute: Great pressure from the Périgueux forwards led to a try for Gest-Flory. Kotze converted.
Niort – Périgueux, 18-13.
75th minute: Under pressure, Fuertes kicked a 20-meter drop goal in front of the posts.
Niort – Périgueux, 21-13.
79th minute: From a penalty touch, Himmer grabbed the ball and scored in the corner.
80th + 5 minute: Périgueux’s forwards worked a collective try, finished by T Kotze.
Niort – Périgueux, 26-20.
The Sheet
Half time: 18-3.
Referee: Mr. Monteux.
Spectators: 2078.
Niort’s scoring: 3 Tries – Marché (33rd, 40th + 1), Himmer (79th); 1 Conversion – Fuertes (40th + 1); 2 Penalties – Fuertes (28th, 38th); 1 Drop Goal – Fuertes (76th).
Périgueux’s scoring: 2 Tries – Gest-Flory (70th), collective (80th+5); 1 Conversion – Kotze (70th); 2 Penalties – Kotze (14th, 62nd).
Yellow cards: Massyn (10th) in Niort; Falatea (32nd), Merigan (37th) in Périgueux.
