Aviron Bayonnais Shakes Off Lyon for First Away Win: A Match to Remember!
In the world of rugby, where tension and triumph collide on the pitch, Aviron Bayonnais truly brought their A-game this Saturday. Dominating the first half and then scrambling to stay afloat in the second, they managed to secure a thrilling 49-38 victory against the infamous LOU. That’s right—this match was like a rollercoaster ride, and if you missed it, well, you could just stream it on “Reality is Hard Enough”—the show where nothing goes as planned!
First Half: Basques on Fire!
With a defensive bonus in their back pocket from Bordeaux and fresh victories against heavyweights La Rochelle and Racing, Bayonne strutted onto the pitch like they owned it. From the first whistle, Bayonne let everyone know they weren’t here to make up the numbers; they were hunting for a win—and they did it spectacularly.
First, there was Camille Lopez, who opened the scoring with a long-range penalty, demonstrating that he can kick better than a toddler who’s just discovered a soccer ball (0-3, 7th). Then came a try from Andy Bordelai, making the scoreboard read a tantalizing 0-10 before Lyon could even say “Ohlala!”
But like all good thrillers, drama was just around the corner. LOU, waking up faster than a teenager at lunchtime, capitalized on Bayonne’s ill-timed yellow card for Lucas Martin. They added their first points, but let’s face it, it was like getting a consolation prize when you’ve already missed the bus (7-10, 17th). Who knew a penalty could be so vital? Lopez, again flexing his kicking prowess, added another to keep the scoreboard ticking (7-13, 31st), and let’s not forget that spectacular 100-meter try which had everyone on the edge of their seats, possibly questioning their life choices!
Double Trouble for Mousques
Now, Xans Mousques scored a double that would make even the best basketball players jealous. If tries were dollars, he’d be a millionaire by now! He finished the first half by slicing through Lyon’s defense faster than a chef in a reality cooking show, putting Bayonne up a cool 27-7 just before their much-deserved halftime break. It’s safe to say that exit interviews were a mixed bag for Lyon—were they mad, sad, or just confused?
Second Half: Lyon Goes Wild
As if lobbing themselves out of a cannon, Lyon stormed back for the second half! They scored four tries in a mere twenty minutes, which almost translated to “Have you ever thought about actually doing something?” Taofifenua, Guillard, Rey, and Rattez all joined the fun, chipping away at Bayonne’s lead. At this rate, it was as if they brought an entire buffet of tries to the table (33-32, 64th). You could almost hear the fans chanting, “Is this a rugby match or a finger food frenzy?”
Oh, but Bayonne didn’t panic. With Poloniati scoring a cheeky try, Camille Lopez seized the day with a penalty that swung the pendulum back in their favor (33-35). And let’s not forget Tom Spring, who added some flair, reminding everyone that he wasn’t just a pretty face. He dodged defenders like they were exes at a surprise party (33-42, 73rd). Lucas Martin then compounded Lyon’s woes, adding another try (33-49, 78th), leaving us with a thrilling final score of 38-49. You know what they say—it isn’t over until the whistle blows, except in rugby, where it’s over long after the final whistle!
Lyon’s consolation try at the end won’t change the fact that they were left with three losses in October—thank goodness it wasn’t a life decision!
A Major Blow Before Facing Stade Toulouse
As Aviron Bayonnais savors their first away victory this season, they aim to ride this wave of momentum into their next match against Stade Toulouse. Meanwhile, Lyon heads to Toulon, presumably in search of a stronger saltwater mix to invigorate their performance. All we can hope is that next week, they find the magic touch—or perhaps a more suitable game plan. So here’s to rugby, where every match is a chance to redefine your legacy. Like they say, “When life gives you lemons, throw them at your opponent!”
Aviron Bayonnais showcased an impressive performance during the first half, establishing dominance on the pitch, but faced a scare in the second half when LOU surged ahead momentarily. However, the resilient Basques refused to capitulate, battling back to score two pivotal tries that ultimately clinched their victory. Thanks to their relentless offense, Grégory Patat’s squad triumphed with a remarkable scoreline of 49 to 38 on the hallowed ground of Gerland.
After some solid performances in recent matches—including a crucial defensive bonus secured in Bordeaux, along with compelling wins against top teams La Rochelle and Racing—Aviron Bayonnais celebrated its inaugural away victory of the season this Saturday afternoon in Lyon, finishing at 38-49. Throughout this thrilling contest, which featured an astonishing twelve tries, the sky blue and white team maintained a lead for nearly the entirety of the game. This latest win, their third consecutive triumph, places Grégory Patat’s men temporarily in third position in the standings. In contrast, Lyon suffered its first home defeat of the season.
In Gerland, Aviron Bayonnais produced a masterclass in the first period, quickly establishing control of the match. With precision and skill, Camille Lopez led his teammates to victory, scoring the opening points with a long-range penalty kick just seven minutes in (0-3). Five minutes later, after a decisive entry into Lyon’s territory, left pillar Andy Bordelai powered through to stretch his team’s lead further (0-10, 13th).
Double for Mousques
Following a shaky start, Lyon rallied and capitalized on a numerical advantage after Lucas Martin received a yellow card for repeated infractions (15th). This allowed Maraku to score Lyon’s first points, narrowing the gap to 7-10 by the 17th minute. However, this turned out to be Lyon’s solitary highlight of the first half. A crucial penalty obtained from a closed scrum at the half-hour mark set the stage for Camille Lopez to extend Bayonne’s lead with a successful penalty kick (7-13, 31st).
First, they scored a sumptuous try on a 100-meter action. It all started with Martocq taking the initiative, under pressure five meters from his goal, who decided to restart. He continued with his foot, Bruni recovered the ball and Lopez sent a diagonal for Mousques, on the opposite wing (7-20, 36th). In this action, Ethan Dumortier also received a yellow card for tackling Tom Spring without the ball.
At 14, Lyon cracked the siren again. Baptiste Germain, from the halfway line, kicked a good play, Tom Spring put pressure on Steve Blanc-Mappaz, who conceded the throw-in. This was quickly played, the ball reached the opposite wing and Camille Lopez served Xan Mousques, who won his duel, for a double allowing Bayonne to return to the locker room with a comfortable lead (7-27, 40+1e).
Lyon comes back strong
LOU emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigor, displaying a markedly different approach on their home turf. The hosts scored four tries in a rapid-fire sequence spanning just twenty minutes—Taofifenua in the 42nd, Guillard in the 50th, Rey in the 57th, and Rattez in the 63rd—allowing them to momentarily take the lead. Lyon’s forwards proved their strength and determination, with three of the four tries coming through powerful pushes, giving Lyon a narrow lead of 33-32 by the 64th minute.
Bayonne, however, met Lyon’s resurgence with tenacity and responded with a try from Poloniati in the 47th, as they worked to regain momentum. After briefly trailing for just four minutes, Camille Lopez executed a penalty kick in the 68th, reclaiming the lead for Bayonne at 33-35. Tom Spring, displaying his offensive prowess, deftly maneuvered past two defenders before charging into the opposing in-goal area (33-42, 73rd). Lucas Martin cemented Bayonne’s victory shortly thereafter, scoring a critical try on a carried ball (33-49, 78th). Lyon’s late response from Yanis Charcosset, just before the final whistle, merely changed the final score to 38-49 (80th).
One week ahead of their highly anticipated match against Stade Toulouse, Aviron Bayonnais made a statement by securing their first away win of the season. Meanwhile, Lyon, now facing a three-game losing streak in October, prepares to take on Toulon next Saturday.
Interview with Aviron Bayonnais Head Coach Grégory Patat After Thrilling Victory Against Lyon
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Grégory! What a match today! A 49-38 win against Lyon marks your first away victory. How does it feel to achieve this milestone?
Grégory Patat: Thank you for having me! It feels absolutely fantastic. This victory is a testament to the hard work the team has put in, especially after our recent performances. Getting our first away win of the season in such a thrilling match really boosts our morale.
Interviewer: The first half was particularly impressive, with a strong start leading to a 27-7 lead at halftime. What was going through your mind during that first period?
Grégory Patat: I was pleased, of course! The lads executed our game plan flawlessly. Camille Lopez and Andy Bordelai were exceptional, and the tries from Xans Mousques demonstrated our offensive capabilities. But I always remind the team that we must remain focused and not get complacent.
Interviewer: Lyon rallied impressively in the second half, scoring four tries in quick succession. How did you approach that challenge during the game?
Grégory Patat: Our boys showed tremendous resilience in responding to that pressure. We had to regroup after conceding those tries and remind everyone that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We implemented some tactical changes and encouraged the team to trust their instincts, which ultimately led to our late tries to secure the win.
Interviewer: What do you think made the difference in the final moments of the match?
Grégory Patat: The key was our composure. We didn’t panic despite the intense pressure from Lyon. The tries from Poloniati, Lopez, and Spring showcased our depth and skill. It’s vital for us to believe in our abilities, and that belief translated into crucial scoring opportunities at the end.
Interviewer: With this win, you’ve secured a temporary spot in the top three. How do you plan to maintain this momentum as you head into the next match against Stade Toulouse?
Grégory Patat: We’ll keep our feet on the ground. We’ll analyze this match deeply, learn from what worked and what didn’t, and prepare thoroughly for Toulouse. They’re a top team, and we need to be at our very best if we want to keep this momentum going.
Interviewer: Last question—any thoughts for Lyon as they prepare for their next match?
Grégory Patat: Rugby is a tough sport, and every team goes through ups and downs. I have great respect for Lyon; they’ll come back stronger. I just hope they don’t string too many losses together! We’ve all seen how quickly the tables can turn in rugby.
Interviewer: Thank you, Grégory, and best of luck for the upcoming matches!
Grégory Patat: Thank you very much! It was a pleasure to speak with you.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Grégory! What a match today! A 49-38 win against Lyon marks your first away victory. How does it feel to achieve this milestone?
Grégory Patat: Thank you for having me! It feels absolutely fantastic. This victory is a testament to the hard work the team has put in, especially after our recent performances. Getting our first away win of the season in such a thrilling match really boosts our morale.
Interviewer: The first half was particularly impressive, with a strong start leading to a 27-7 lead at halftime. What was going through your mind during that first period?
Grégory Patat: I was pleased, of course! The lads executed our game plan flawlessly. Camille Lopez and Andy Bordelai were exceptional, and the tries from Xans Mousques demonstrated our offensive capabilities. But I always remind the team that we must remain focused and not get complacent.
Interviewer: Lyon rallied impressively in the second half, scoring four tries in quick succession. How did you approach that challenge during the game?
Grégory Patat: Our boys showed tremendous resilience in responding to that pressure. We had to regroup after conceding those tries and remind everyone that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We implemented some tactical changes and encouraged the team to trust their instincts, which ultimately led to our late tries to secure the win.
Interviewer: What do you think made the difference in the final moments of the match?
Grégory Patat: The key was our composure. We didn’t panic, even when Lyon surged ahead momentarily. Maintaining our focus on the fundamentals allowed us to capitalize on our opportunities. It was all about seizing those critical moments, and the boys did just that.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you plan to build on this victory as you prepare for your next match against Stade Toulouse?
Grégory Patat: This win gives us a solid foundation, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. We’ll analyze this match closely and ensure we learn from both our strengths and weaknesses. Stade Toulouse will be a tough opponent, and we need to carry this momentum forward while staying disciplined.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Grégory! Good luck in your next match!
Grégory Patat: Thank you! I appreciate it.
