End of an Era in French Roundnet - Nationals '23
Written by Clément Martin-G or "French Coach Clement." Complete results can be found here.
French Nationals 2023
On the weekend of October 14th 2023, Toulouse hosted the 3rd edition of the French Roundnet Championships. The very first with the now iconic Baguette division (highest division), bringing together la crème de la crème of French players.
The blue-white-red curtain fell on the richest French season in its history, in terms of intensity, structure, passion and excitement. The players had the opportunity to compete throughout the season in Rennes, Paris, Nantes, Montpellier, Lyon and Grenoble, not forgetting the very first French club championships in Clermont, and the Euros in Padova with a beautiful 3rd place in Squads.
But for these players who found themselves playing together under the same jersey, it was time to get down to business, and face each other one last time in 2023.
Mens division, storyline & results
Among the top teams going in for the kill we had:
- Pour Combien (Florinda/Ameziane), two-time defending champions and logical favorites for the title. Although they have played less together in France this season, they have had the opportunity to shine on numerous occasions in Europe.
- Hors Services (Lacombe/Caux-Ramon), made up of the formidable defenders Hugo and Samy, who have put in some fine performances in ETS this season.
Furthermore, Krackoukass (Jouve L./Clark), Backspikers (Snoeck/Mareschal), or Pierre Feuille Victor (Cambois/Lecrosnier), were determined to play the role of troublemakers.
After a thrilling semi-final, with Pour Combien narrowly beating the Backspikers in a historic first set 48-46, we find ourselves in the eagerly-awaited final between the two best French teams of the moment: Pour Combien (Florinda/Ameziane) versus Hors Services (Lacombe/Caux-Ramon).
At the end of an epic match, and against all expectations, it was Lacombe's and Caux/Ramon's dazzling defensive performance that overcame Pour Combien 's strike force, with a series of acrobatic touches that delighted the crowd in Toulouse.
Defeated on home soil by a French team for the first time in 2 years, the team in the purple jersey fell from their throne. But there's no doubt they'll be back stronger than ever.
Women division, storyline & results
On the women's side, the scene was quite similar.
The Puces&Dives (Alt/Paysan), two-time defending champions and overwhelming favorites for the treble, were on familiar ground.
But a number of players, whose progress has been steady if not exponential, were keen to upset the odds:
Who let the dwarfs out? (Martinez/Lemaire) and Les clutchouilles (Joly/ Thomasson) as well as two strong teams from Clermont were there to challenge the supremacy of the Puces. But more than any of the others, it was undoubtedly Badnet (Duport/Vanangamoudiar), who was the most likely to give them a hard time.
The Puces, physically and mentally stronger, in a closely-fought final were able to hold on to their advantage and sign a resounding hat-trick of victories.
Mixed results
In the mixed category, the final featured a classic among classics: Backflick (Paysan/Florinda) versus (De) NaDa (Alt/Ameziane).
But the name change didn't pay off for Alt and Ameziane, and it was Paysan and Florinda who in the end came out on top, and claimed back their title.
Conclusion
A fierce competition, really close games, a big upset, a fantastic scene… French nationals didn’t disappoint this year. As players will round off the season with a costumed tournament in Mulhouse, we are already looking for the next one!