Masks on the faces. In stands and at the net. In front of spectators asked to respect the sanitary measures, Nice and Cannes made a face before facing each other this Friday at the Palmeira room. Respectively 10th and penultimate in the standings with only two victories on both sides, the two Riviera clubs hoped to recover with this derby of fear. Reigning French champion, AS Cannes lacks benchmarks and confidence at the start of the season, after the departure of its historic trainer last summer. For its part, Nice volleyball, after a difficult season last year, has strengthened and is especially lacking in success. This derby will confirm the superiority of the Niçois, who won 3 sets to 1 and glued to the standings.
AS Cannes starts better
The first set is hung between the two teams, who surrender blow for blow. Author of a solid block, the faithful central Rodney Ah-Kong gives Nice Volley up to Cannes (16-16). Precious in service, the sharp Brazilian Bruno Lima (9 points in this first act) then allows the locals to take the advantage (19-18). But Cannes resisted and escaped the score (20-23) before Nice picked up again (23-23). A missed service from Giraudo gives AS Cannes a set point, saved by an authoritative smash from Lima (24-24). A badly negotiated service finally offered the first round to Cannes (24-26 – 0-1).
Two monstrous blocks from Giraudo launched the Niçois in the second round (4-1). But the impressive pointy Cannes Jeffrey Menzel puts the two teams tied on a strong smash (9-9). Imprecise at the service, the visitors make points easy and put the Niçois in the right direction (13-11). Solid until the end of this second set, the locals swell the score to equalize in one round everywhere thanks to a subtle point from the Canadian Steven Marshall (25-19 – 1-1).
Nice Volley takes the ascendancy
On its momentum, Nice volley quickly takes off in the 3rd set (5-1). Marshall solid consolidates this lead (8-3) and Giraudo, thanks to an ace, prolongs the pleasure (11-5). Encouraged by around twenty supporters determined to mark their territory in this Palmeira room, the Cannes residents get back together (14-10), stay at a distance (20-15) but never manage to catch up and give up the 3rd round to Rafael’s players Redwitz (25-17 – 2-1).
Nice central Cuk (2m09) sends a smash to quickly put the Cannes at bay in the 4th set (8-4) but Horacio Dileo’s men take advantage of Nice’s blunders to pick up and even take the advantage for the first times in this 4th round (12-13). The moment for Bruno Lima to take matters in hand and to chain the points (four in a row !!!) to put the Nice in front (20-18). The Niçois finish the job on a final block (25-21).
Bruno Lima enormously
Third success of the season for the Niçois, who hope to finally take off in the standings. With a Bruno Lima also inspired, a solid Giraudo to pass and a captain Marshall at the height of his status, the men of Redwitz have reason to believe in it. For AS Cannes, the digestion of the league title is not yet over and the season may be long. With only 5 points in 10 days, there is something to be worried about.