Triumph in Bayonne: ASB Women’s Rugby Secures Semi-final Berth

In a stunning display of skill and determination,ASB (Aviron Bayonnais) has clinched a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the women’s rugby competition. Their decisive victory over the Valkyries, coupled with a surprising defeat of Stade Français by Lons-Pau (3-20), propelled the Neskak (ASB’s women’s team) into the final phase of the tournament. The atmosphere at the pierre-Cacareigt stadium was electric as the home crowd witnessed a performance that underscored Bayonne’s growing prowess in women’s rugby.

Early Frustration Turns to Decisive Action

Despite an initial ten-minute period of intense domination, ASB struggled to convert their territorial advantage into points. This early frustration, a familiar theme this season, threatened to derail their ambitions. Léa rojo, a key player in the second row, acknowledged the valkyries’ formidable defense: we faced a hyper-aggressive defensive line; they won numerous contacts, which initially intimidated us. This resilience, however, proved to be the catalyst for Bayonne’s eventual triumph.

Strategic Brilliance and Forward Power

Yvan Abadie, the forwards coach, lauded his players’ exceptional adaptability and strategic acumen.I wont to congratulate them. We have 2-3 girls who analyze the opponent’s game, they adapt for themselves, I find it fantastic. This tactical flexibility allowed them to break the deadlock in the 30th minute with a penalty from Lucie Quentin,followed by a try from Manon Rojo in the 38th minute,expertly converted by Quentin. By halftime, the Neskak held a commanding 10-0 lead, placing them firmly on the path to qualification.

Dominance and Late-Game Nerves

Bayonne’s dominance in scrums and penetrating mauls was a defining feature of the match. Early in the second half, Captain Ingrid Amigorena extended the lead with tries in the 44th and 69th minutes, pushing the score to 20-0. With news filtering through that Section Paloise had secured their own victory, a Bayonne win was all that was needed to seal qualification.

However, the final minutes were fraught with tension as the Valkyries mounted a late comeback, scoring two tries in the 74th and 77th minutes to narrow the gap to 20-10. Abadie admitted to feeling the pressure: I almost made oil! It was hot, they played very well in front. Despite the late surge, Bayonne held on to secure the victory.

Underdog Mentality and Semi-Final Aspirations

looking ahead to the semi-final on May 17th, Léa Rojo encapsulated the team’s underdog spirit: We are the little thumbs, we did not think of getting there. We are just going to take advantage, take what is to take and then, who knows? This blend of humility and ambition reflects the team’s determination to make their mark on the competition.

Coach’s Corner: Yvan Abadie’s Perspective

We had started the season with a home defeat against the Stade Français and it is this defeat that is founder. What girls do with the means they have is exceptional. I am very proud of them.We leave to win the semi-final right? As if you go to do nothing, you take a beating. And in rugby, the ball is oval, you never no what side it can fall on!

Yvan Abadie, Bayonne’s Forward Coach

Match Summary: Bayonne 20 – 10 Valkyries

Location:

Bayonne (Pierre-Cacareigt stadium)

Weather:

sunny

Attendance:

500

Referee:

Mr. Le Gentil

Half-time Score:

10-0

Scoring Summary

Bayonne

• Tries: M. Rojo (38th), Amigorena (44th, 69th)
• Penalty: Quentin (30th)
• Conversion: Quentin (38th)

Team: Héguy – (m) Berreau – Play inputs: Jaurena, Duft, Etcheverry.

Valkyries

• Tries: joubert (74th), Henault (77th)

Team: Maris – Hickson, Berthelot, Dubus, Cousin – (O) Alternative, (M) aubry – Joubert, brubion, Delamare – Barthelemy, Henault – Souillard, Cristo, Diedhiou. Entrances: Reymondoux, Rousseeuw, Douis, Le Tallec, Bernard, labonne, begorre, Scoan