While in D1, the Huskies struck again, this autumn’s schedule has seen the D2 play-downs conclude in dramatic fashion for the league’s 15th-place teams, the Hawks of La Guerche de Bretagne. The red and whites faced off against the reserves of the Boucaniers de La Rochelle, the 2021 D3 Open champions. The stakes were clear and tense for the Hawks: either stay up in D2 or get relegated to the regional league. For the Boucaniers, who had nothing to lose, a double victory would mean promotion to D2. Antony Piquet’s squad dropped the first game to La Rochelle’s Ossandon, 7-0, with five hits apiece (LR: Collet’s triple, Raillard’s double). The second match, played under high pressure, saw the Bretons hold firm against Baudin’s six solid innings. The Hawks won 6-10 with eight hits to the Boucaniers’ seven (LR: Combes’ double – LG: Piquet and Bergeault’s triples, Piquet’s double). The final act saw the home team prevail with Ossandon’s return, 6-2, thanks to a strong batting performance, seven hits to five (LG: Guesdon’s double) and a defensive gem with a 6-4-3 double play in a high-quality match (LR: another double play, 7-6-5).
The Boucaniers 2 are promoted to D2 for the 2022 season. The Gambas d’Anglet are also promoted to Division 2.
Meanwhile, the star Rochelaise team played for fifth place against the Cougars (2018 runners-up) in Montigny. The series ended with a double victory for the home team, 5-3 and 6-2. The Cougars took the series 3-1. The Boucaniers finish their D1 season in sixth place. A close fifth for Montigny, who narrowly missed the finals. The other matches were forfeited.
The final D1 standings are now known.
Vincent Picard.
