The RC Vannes rugby team has made history by securing their first victory in the Challenge Cup, triumphing over Gloucester Rugby 43-19 during their second-round match.
The encounter took place at the La Rabine stadium, where the excitement was palpable as the team celebrated its inaugural game at this level of European competition. This win marks not only the first for the Vannes club but also sets the tone for what they hopes is a successful campaign.
From the outset, the match was marked by frenetic energy. Just minutes in, Vannes stunned spectators with three early tries. Enzo Benmegal, who hadn't seen much action the previous week during their match in Georgia, opened the scoring with a try just one minute after the kick-off. Michael Ruru soon followed suit, executing two quick tries at the third and ninth minutes, putting Vannes firmly at the helm with a 19-7 lead within ten minutes.
Despite this initial surge, the action did not cease. Gloucester responded swiftly, with their player Harris scoring at the five-minute mark, demonstrating the back-and-forth nature of the game.
The score remained unchanged till halftime as both teams sought to control the game. For Vannes, the only significant setback came with the early exit of Romaric Camou due to injury and Théo Béziat receiving a yellow card. Their absence, though concerning, was managed effectively by Coach Jean-Noël Spitzer as he brought on Iñaki Ayarza and Cyril Blanchard.
After halftime, the excitement continued. Enzo Benmegal completed his brace with another acrobatic try at the 47th minute, extending Vannes' lead to 26-7. But Gloucester wasn't going down easily. They rallied, scoring two successive tries by Gareth Blackmore and Jacob Morris, which narrowed the gap to just 26-19.
This brought temporary concern to the Vannes side, but they quickly reestablished control. Over the next fifteen minutes, Karl Chateau and Cyril Blanchard each found the try line again, sealing the match score at 43-19. The impressive display highlighted not only individual talent but also the team's collective strategy and determination.
Referee S. Abulashvili officiated before approximately 12,000 spectators, contributing to the billowing atmosphere of anticipation and jubilation. Post-match statistics reflected the well-rounded team performance: Vannes scored six tries and converted five, with Lafage successfully converting them, and adding one penalty to the final total.
On the other side, Gloucester managed three tries and two conversions but were left to ponder what could have been after failing to capitalize on certain scoring opportunities during the match.
This victory for RC Vannes not only signifies their entry onto the European stage but also gives its players and coaching staff immense confidence. It is warmly welcomed among fans who look forward to more thrilling performances like this. Ending the match with such fervor hints at the clubs' commitment and potential for future success.
With this historic win, RC Vannes is sure to be ones to watch as the Challenge Cup progresses, not just as participants but as formidable contenders. It's a new chapter for the team, and if this performance is any indication, exciting times lie ahead.
