After four consecutive defeats, the HBGR plays its season on “the next three matches”

Le HBGR n'a plus gagné à domicile depuis le 9 décembre dernier. HBGR

Le HBGR reçoit Monaco ce samedi 2 mars à 20h30 au gymnase des Eyrieux. Un match important dans la course au maintien avant d'affronter les deux dernières équipes du classement.

Rhodanian Handball Bagnols Gard is playing big in the coming weeks. After its defeat at Antibes last weekend, the Bagnolais club has the same number of points as Avignon, penultimate in the standings and therefore relegated at the end of the season. The HBGR must return to the path of victory to give itself some fresh air after four consecutive losses. And it starts this Saturday March 2 with the reception of Monaco (at 8:30 p.m. at the Eyrieux gymnasium), a direct competitor for maintenance. The Monegasques only have a small point more. "It's a crucial match, we need points, explains the Bagnolais coach, Raphaël Geslan. Monaco has experienced players who have experienced the high level. It's the opposite of us. We're going to replace experience with passion."

The busy infirmary

Once again, the HBGR will have to rely on a very young group in the absence of several executives: captain Dorian Tourraton (forfeit until at the end of the season), Tom Brisco (wrist injury) and goalkeeper Daniel Dupjachanec. "We started with a short squad at the start of the season. With two or three starters out, I'm not surprised it's difficult. We lack physical density, expertise and level. Most players have never started at this level.

"We won't give up"

Despite the bad patch, the coach and the Gard players are not resigned. "We work hard in training and the team is doing well. We won't give up", promises Raphaël Geslan. After receiving Monaco, the HBGR will face the last two teams in the ranking: Avignon (11th with 25 points) and Prades (12th with 20 points). "We are going to play the season over the next three matches", warns the coach. Good news, two of them will compete at home, with the Bagnolais public.