Super League: Toulouse Olympique come out with their heads held high
This Saturday, September 3, the Toulousains moved on the lawn of the Totally Wicked Stadium of the triple reigning champions of St Helens, for their last match of the season. Toulouse Olympique loses with honors (36-16)
The TO accelerated the first period determined to end the season on a good note, opening the scoring in the 2nd minute: at the end of the chain of downs, Ilias BERGAL recovers the cross kick from Chris HANKINSON to score the first try of the encounter. The locals were quick to respond, with a big missed opportunity a few minutes later and then a first try in the 11th minute of play. There followed a long standoff during which the two teams played blow for blow, waiting that the other makes a mistake. It was in the 31st minute that the English put an end to it with a try from Curtis SIRONEN. The Toulousans are not discouraged and reject the score in a few minutes thanks to a try by Nathan PEATS who, after a very good defensive chain from the TO, against the kick of WELSBY, recovers the ball and flattens: Saints 12 – TO 10 .
Back from the locker room, the showdown continued but Toulouse found the mark in the 48th minute with an achievement by Eloi PELISSIER, who took advantage of the good progress of his forwards to go behind the down and score between the posts. Chris HANKINSON transforms and the TO goes back in front 12-16. The English are back in force and gaining speed, especially with the entry of their captain James ROBY. The TO still managed a good defense but the Saints managed to cross the goal line four times in the last 25 minutes of play. Final score, 36-16 for the three-time defending champions.
The TO ends its season in the Super League on a combative note but leaves the Super League after a complicated season. Long live 2023!