The Challenge de France, a tournament to determine the second French team in next year’s European Cup, started on Thursday with six games. Host MONTPELLIER BARRACUDAS was the big loser, as they were defeated 2-3 by MONTIGNY and 2-4 by LA GUERCHE. The team was a favorite to win the event after sweeping ROUEN at home last weekend.
Last year’s winner TEMPLIERS SENART began with a 5-0 shutout over the HAWKS. The HUSKIES narrowly prevailed 12-11 against CLERMONT-FERRAND, which also lost 4-17 against SAVIGNY. French Elite League leader LIONS also won their second game, 11-0 against STADE TOULOUSAIN. The preliminary round continues on Friday.
Results:
Thursday, May 21
Montpellier (Pool A):
Senart Templiers – La Guerche Hawks 5-0
Montpellier Barracudas – Montigny Cougars 2-3
La Guerche Hawks – Montpellier Barracudas 4-2
Beaucaire (Pool B):
Rouen Huskies – Clermont-Ferrand Arvernes 12-11
Savigny-sur-Orge Lions – Toulouse Tigers 11-0
Clermont-Ferrand Arvernes – Savigny-sur-Orge Lions 4-17
Schedule:
Friday, May 22
Beaucaire (Pool A):
9h30 Montpellier Barracudas vs Senart Templiers
13h00 Montigny Cougars vs La Guerche Hawks
16h30 Senart Templiers vs Montigny Cougars
Montpellier (Pool B):
9h30 Savigny-sur-Orge Lions vs Rouen Huskies
13h00 Toulouse Tigers vs Clermont-Ferrand Arvernes
16h30 Rouen Huskies vs Toulouse Tigers
Saturday, May 23
10h00 Semi-Final I
14h00 Semi-Final II
Sunday, May 24
10h00 Bronze Medal Match
14h00 Final
More information at www.challengedefrance.com
Photo: © Jean-Pascal Furet, www.baseballpics.free.fr