Handball: Frontignan THB reigned supreme on its floor

Guénolé Gaillard a signé une belle performance offensive. MIDI LIBRE – Jérôme Belluire

Les Héraultais, auteurs d’un bon départ, n’ont jamais tremblé face à Cournon ce vendredi 8 mars (38-33).

They needed it, after a regrettable defeat in Caen, they did it. This Friday, the Frontignanais put their heads back together, masters of the debates against Cournon in front of their audience. From the start, Diot made saves, while Gaillard and Leon found the fault, well served by Alexandre (8-4).

Mesnard in great shape

Gaillard, with a hip shot, scored his third goal at 9-5 then widened the gap to 14-9. The Auvergnats, notably Grosjean, did not give up (16-14), but the FTHB was determined to avoid any fear. And in particular Mesnard, who made a big save allowing Leon to finish on the counter-attack (20-16). The Frontignan goalkeeper, in very good shape, added a save just before half-time and Tesio brought the score to 22-18.

A gap which clearly did not satisfy Asier Antonio's men. To open the second period, Leon won, as did Gaillard who seemed unstoppable (27-21). Camara's showmanship then delighted the Muscat supporters, less so that of the opposing goalkeeper (28-21).

A relaxation without consequences

The FTHB was then on cloud nine. After two new saves from Mesnard, it unfolded with a penalty from Canton which brought the score to 32-24. At that moment, fortunately for Cournon that Jamet was making multiple stops… But in this area, the prize still went to Mesnard, whose displays were increasingly remarkable (34-27).

The gap seemed definitive and the FTHB then released the pressure a little in attack, losing a few balls in the process. Cournon took the opportunity to get back to 36-32 but didn't go any further. A final penalty from Magro closed the lid (38-33). An evening full of control.

The technical sheet

► Frontignan Thau HB……………38
► Cournon-d’Auvergne…………..33

Ferrari Room.
Half-time: 22-18.
Referees: Ms. Duée and Ms. Leclercq
Spectators: approximately 650.

FRONTIGNAN: Mesnard (11 saves on 27 shots), Diot (4 saves on 20 shots). Canton (5 goals on 7 shots, including 3/4 pen), Magro (1/1 pen), Isnard (4/6), Camara (2/3), Leon (8/11), Pelegrin (3/5) , Laurens (1/2), Tesio (6/7), Alexandre (2/2), Gaillard (6/9).
Two minutes at: Laurens (34th and 48th), Tesio (56th).

COURNON : Jamet (8 saves on 28 shots, including 1/3 pen), Vekic (2 saves on 18 shots, including 1/2 pen). Nkonda (3 goals on 3 shots), Ndiaye (1/2), Lagier Pitre (3/5), Grosjean (4/6), Corcher (2/2), Dourte (4/6), Musy (1/3 ), Benhalima (9/13), Quintin (4/5), Peigue (1/1).
Two minutes at: Nkonda (25th), Quintin (41st).