ESCA 37 – Vic-Fezensac 32 (Trie) MT: 27-13. Arbitre: J. Passemar assisted by P. Quessette, C. Claverie (LOC)
Winners: 4 Tries by Pujo (9, 52), Landaburu (21) Nogues (28); 4 conversions by Baque (1) Camy (3); 1 Drop goal (68) and 2 Penalties (16, 40) by Camy.
Losers: 4 Tries, Gaignard (32), Ader (65), Achilli (75), Ducousseau (80); 3 Conversions and 2 Penalties (3, 18) by Coelho.
Score progression: 0-3, 7-3, 10-3, 10-6, 17-6, 24-6, 24-13, 27-13; 34-13, 34-20, 37-20, 37-25, 37-32.
Entente Sportive des Coteaux de l’Arrêt: Baque; Camy, Despiau, Pujo, Nogues; (o) Dubarry, (m) Landaburu; Vedere, Carmouze, Telmon; Elkadiri Bouc, Ducrocq; Ferrane, Semmartin (cap), Compagnet; replacements: J.Pomes, Escoula, Berquet, Verdoux, C. Carbo, Larroux, R. Carbo.
UA Vicoise: Tomasella; Coelho, Ducouseau, Gaignard (cap), Buffalan; (o) D’Andrea, (m) Lasbats; Dubost, Despax, Guirandi; Gandi, Massarotto; Daribeau, Achilli, Rizon; replacements: Cassagne, Perna, Bourdieu, Dupouy, Bondeu.
After a minute of silence in memory of Francis Darrie and Jean-Jacques Baesi, the referee kicks off this 16th final under scorching sun. The Occitan champion, UA Vicoise, faces ESCA, both teams aiming for victory.
From the start, the Gersois take control with a strong game that forces the Haut-Pyrenees into errors. Coelho scores first in the 3rd minute (3-0). But Pujo’s try, converted by Baque, puts ESCA ahead (7-3).
The match intensifies, with Camy adding three more points (16th minute) after a Gersois error. Coelho responds with a penalty (18th minute), but ESCA scores two tries in quick succession, leading 24-6.
The Gersois fight back with a beautiful try at the 32nd minute, narrowing the gap. Camy’s drop goal before halftime extends ESCA’s lead (27-13).
In the second half, ESCA dominates initially, scoring another try. However, the Gersois rally with three late tries and a penalty, closing the gap to 37-32.
Despite a thrilling finale, the Gersois miss a final opportunity, sealing ESCA’s victory through exceptional team spirit.
R. Theo
