Riom Secures Fédérale 2 Spot with Dramatic Clash at Émilie-Pons

In a high-stakes match between Entente Riom and Stade Decazeville, the former emerged victorious, securing their place in the Fédérale 2 next season. Riom's Demont opened the scoring with two penalties, followed by an essay by Elambert. Giral extended the lead in the second half. Despite Decazeville's efforts, Aussadisse sealed the win with a late try. Riom's coach attributed their success to their defensive strategy, while Decazeville's coach acknowledged Riom's determination as the driving force behind their victory.

Dramatic Clash in Émilie-Pons Secures Riomois' Place in Fédérale 2

In a high-stakes encounter at the Émilie-Pons stadium, Riom emerged victorious over Decazeville, securing their place in the Fédérale 2 league for the upcoming season. The match was characterized by intense competition and unwavering determination from both sides.

From the outset, Riom displayed a resolute defensive strategy, pressuring the Decazeville defense and earning two early penalties, which were expertly converted by Demont in the 5th and 13th minutes. Decazeville's Monbroussous momentarily reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 21st minute, but Demont swiftly restored Riom's advantage with another penalty, making the score 9-3 at the 24th minute.

The first try of the afternoon came from a ruck formed near the touchline in midfield. A loose ball was seized by Riom's Giral, who surged forward for 40 meters before passing to Elambert in support, who crossed the try line and Demont converted, extending Riom's lead to 16-3 by the 25th minute.

The score remained unchanged until halftime, despite a late attempt by Decazeville through a penalty touch, which was resolutely defended by the Riom players. With the wind against them, President Germain's players opted for a more direct approach in the second half, resulting in Giral scoring a try between the posts just three minutes into the second period, making it 23-3.

Decazeville remained defiant and spent extended periods testing Riom's staunch defense. Eventually, Fabre managed to score in the corner in the 66th minute, reducing the deficit to 23-8. However, Aussadisse put the game beyond doubt, latching onto a break from Demont in the 73rd minute and intercepting the ball from his opponent before touching down for a try, which was converted by Demont in the 79th minute.

"This victory is in large part due to the meticulous preparation we put in during the week," explained Riom's coach, Stéphane Dessaigne. "The players elevated their defensive performance, forcing Decazeville into penalties. I feel a sense of accomplishment."

Anthony Julian, Decazeville's coach, acknowledged their disappointment, stating, "We came here seeking points to secure fourth place and have the playoff game at home. Riom were fighting for their survival, and they displayed a stronger desire to win."

The win marks a significant achievement for Riom, and their resilience and unwavering determination have earned them a well-deserved place in the Fédérale 2 league for the upcoming season.