Nîmes Olympique
A new attendance record. The sixtieth match of the Crocodiles at the Antonins stadium was emotionally the strongest the club has experienced in this temporary structure. For the fourth time this season, the stadium’s attendance record was broken. On Saturday, against AS Cannes, it was even shattered with 7,968 spectators, 576 more than the previous record (7,392 against Saint-Maur on April 11). Now, the four best attendances at the Antonins have been recorded in National 2. This season, 79,350 spectators came to the last vestige of the Assaf era, averaging 5,290 including the Coupe de France and the championship, and 5,527 for National 2 matches. The enthusiasm of NO fans continues as for the last home match on May 9 against Istres, 4,000 tickets were sold and the south stand was already full.
Nîmes Olympique will face Andrézieux-Bouthéon on Saturday with the aim of holding onto the top spot.
Advantage Nîmes. The victory against Cannes will be remembered as one of the nicest moments experienced since the Blaquart years. A full stadium, a postponed top match, and a regained leadership position. However, even though the Crocodiles have taken control of this group C, it seems premature to break out the champagne. Anything can still happen as NO could mathematically be promoted by losing their last three matches (unlikely though) and stay put by earning seven points out of nine. The only certainty is that the team led by Mickaël Gas holds their fate in their hands and just needs to do as well as Cannes and Saint-Maur to be promoted to League 3. To finish the job, Nîmes Olympique (1st with 53 points) will face three teams with nothing to hope for or fear, but all ranked in the top 10. Two away games at Andrézieux (7th) and Limonest (10th), and the home match against Istres (4th). AS Cannes (2nd with 51 points), with a negative goal difference against Nîmes, has used up all their chances and must perform flawlessly to have any hope. The Azuréens will face GOAL FC (9th), go to Rousset (16th), and host Saint-Maur (3rd) in a clash that could benefit Nîmes. Finally, Saint-Maur (3rd with 51 points) is a dangerous rival for the Crocodiles, with a negative head-to-head goal difference. However, the Lusitanos have the disadvantage of two away games against Saint-Priest (13th, fighting for survival) and Cannes (2nd). In between, Saint-Maur will host Hyères (6th). Nîmes Olympique is in a good position but has not yet reached the goal.
OAC
OAC on the podium, but… Contrary to what was announced on Saturday evening after the final whistle of the victory against Lyon’s reserve team, OAC is now firmly 3rd in the N3 H pool, ahead of Bourgoin-Jallieu (24 points against 11). However, in case of a tie in points at the top two spots, the penalties received at the start of the season should take precedence over goal difference, according to the FFF regulations. For the Cévenols, they must finish 1st, and only 1st to qualify.
Fos-Bourgoin as the judge? As OAC heads to Montpellier to face a struggling Montpellier HSC reserve team (6th, 35 points), the leader Lyon – La Duchère will face a derby against Olympique Lyonnais II, who has taken only 5 points in the last 7 games and has nothing to play for, since they are not in relegation zone and are assured of staying up with a seven-point lead and six points left to earn. It is unlikely that the leaders will falter. The match that should benefit the Cévenols the most will undoubtedly be Fos-sur-Mer – Bourgoin-Jallieu, a duel between 2nd and 4th. A showdown that will inevitably eliminate one club from the promotion race if one of them wins, and even both if they draw.
HBGR
Euphoria. When the final whistle sounded, elation filled the Eyrieux gymnasium. On Saturday, April 25, the Handball Bagnols Gard Rhodanien reserve team won a crucial match. Defying the leader Beaucaire, the Bagnolais handled the pressure well and took control of the game. With the first half in their favor (18-14), the Rouge et Noir continued their efforts, both defensively and offensively, without faltering. Ambitious and energetic after halftime, the second in the top pool in Prénationale maintained their lead on the scoreboard. Sharper and more accurate in front of the goal, the HBGR players remained focused on their objective. After 60 minutes of struggle, the Bagnolais celebrated victory by five goals, 41 to 36. This success allows them to achieve their mission: promotion to the national level, after an intense season in Régionale 2 division.
