2023-08-20 00:58:00
20/08/2023 –
Old Lions lived a memorable night in San Miguel de Tucumán, where they became NOA champions, following beating Los Tarcos 29-26, in a final that will remain in the memory.
Pablo Bascary’s team from Tucumán had a hard time getting into the game in the first minutes, but they reacted with great team play and with the outstanding performances of Matías Barraza and Juan Villalba, who ended up becoming the great figure of the match.
The “León” was consecrated NOA champion for the first time in its history and now he is aiming for the Interior Tournament, to which he will arrive toned in search of continuing to make history.
The match
At the start of the match, Los Tarcos was more active in all their lines and took the lead with a penalty try and a try by Juan Salsench converted by José Chico.
Only following 28 minutes did Old Lions appear on the scoreboard through Juan Villalba, who converted the first penalty of the night and led the reaction.
At 32 minutes, “León” made it clear that he had no plans to give himself up, much less let the opportunity pass. Matías Barraza supported the try and Villalba converted the corresponding penalty to shorten the difference (14-10).
Three minutes later, the Barraza – Villalba formula returned to give results and the visiting team took the lead (17-14). So both teams left at halftime.
In the second half, Los Tarcos returned to the match thanks to Juan Salsench, who supported a try without conversion, and Cristian Ledesma, with a try converted by Chico.
The score at 26 to 17 seemed to sentence the match, but from then on Juan Villalba became the owner of the game and his punch in three penalties allowed Old Lions to tie at 26.
4 minutes from the end, Villalba went hand in hand with the oval once more and did not fail. He made it 29 to 26 with very little time on the clock. Los Tarcos went all out on offense and Old Lions had no choice but to take refuge in their field to maintain the difference.
Bascary’s team died in the last minutes. Los Tarcos went desperately in search of the try to keep the title, but the Old Lions defense fulfilled an exciting task to neutralize each advance and unleash the party from Santiago on Tucuman soil.
With the end of the game another story began, exciting for many of the protagonists. Old Lions fans invaded the field of play to hug their idols and thank them for allowing them to experience an unforgettable moment.
Players, staff, leaders and supporters joined in the celebration, following receiving the cup delivered by the authorities of the Tucumán Rugby Union. There was a moment of great emotion, not only in the squad but also in the Old Lions managers, who made a huge effort to give them all the tools needed in a demanding competition.
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