Millau Rugby Cadets Show Promise Despite Elite Championship Loss to Grenoble
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Despite a narrow 24-16 defeat in their first match of the Elite championship on Saturday, October 11, the cadets of SO Millau Rugby demonstrated a level of play that suggests a promising season ahead. The team’s performance against Grenoble, while ultimately a loss, revealed a resilient spirit and tactical strengths that have instilled confidence in their coach and supporters.
A Frustrating Finish in Grenoble
The match concluded with a try conceded in the final moments, a particularly disheartening outcome for the young Millau squad. However, the overall content of the game offered significant encouragement. The team fought hard, maintaining a competitive edge throughout the contest.
Coach Santos Highlights Key Positives
Jonathan Santos, the team’s coach, emphasized the positive aspects of the performance. “We had a good start to the match with good aggression and recovered balls,” Santos stated. “Good scratching areas found with Coline Planès on a good day who scored the points. Every time we have been in their camp, we have come away with points, it is very positive.” The team managed to remain competitive at halftime, showcasing their ability to challenge a strong opponent.
Santos acknowledged a few critical errors that allowed Grenoble to regain momentum. “We made two or three stupid little mistakes which allowed Grenoble to come back,” he explained. “We stuck to the score, it’s a shame not to take this defensive point, because we were countered at the end with an interception in the last minute, it’s a bit annoying, but we hung on.” Despite the late interception, the team’s resilience was evident.
Building a Strong Foundation for the Future
Santos expressed immense pride in his players’ effort and determination. “I’m very proud of the girls, they fought from start to finish,” he said. “This bodes well for the rest of the season, because I think the field will be homogeneous.” He also noted the value of the match as a learning experience, both for the younger and more experienced players.
“It was a recovery match, which is valid for us and also for the others, Grenoble will continue to progress well too,” Santos added. He believes the team possesses a strong foundation and a positive trajectory. “There is a good group, we will be able to take advantage of it to have a solid working base. I feel that things are progressing and that the mentality is changing. We still have work to do, but the girls are very good. I am very happy.”
This encouraging defeat, therefore, signals a bright future for the young Millau Rugby team, suggesting they are well-positioned to compete effectively throughout the season.
