France: Grizzlys Catalans edge Toulouse Ours in D1 Elite thriller

In a pivotal Southern Conference showdown, the Grizzlys Catalans (4-3-1) outlasted the Toulouse Ours (4-3-1) 34-28 in a back-and-forth thriller at Stade Jean-Laffon in Perpignan. The win keeps both teams locked in a tense playoff race, with identical records and mirrored remaining schedules.

Early Momentum Shifts
Under sunny skies, the Grizzlys Catalans struck first with a defensive spark. After blocking a Toulouse Ours field goal attempt, quarterback Alexander Fromberg connected with Idriss Ramky on a precision corner-end-zone pass for a 7-0 lead. The Ours responded swiftly, however, as Pierre Hilderald and Killian Heraud punched in touchdowns to snatch a 14-7 advantage. Fromberg and Ramky reunited before halftime, tying the game 14-14 and setting the stage for a chaotic second half.

Second-Half Fireworks
The Ours reclaimed momentum early in the third quarter when Martin Lamou’s clutch interception set up Heraud’s second TD. Undeterred, the Grizzlys Catalans answered with a Sean Boswell rushing score, followed by Fromberg’s fourth TD pass—a dagger to Juwan Abraham—to lead 28-21. The duel intensified as the Ours’ Sami Poles exploded for a highlight-reel TD, only for Grizzlys Callum Davidson to retaliate with a bruising sideline sprint, extending the lead to 34-28.

Defensive Stand Seals Victory
With under five minutes left, Toulouse mounted a desperate drive deep into Grizzlys territory. But the Catalans defense held firm, denying the Ours on fourth down to preserve the win. The stop capped a game defined by resilience, with both teams trading blows but the Grizzlys making the final critical play.

Playoff Implications
Despite the loss, the Ours retain a head-to-head tiebreaker after their 48-27 Week 1 victory. Both teams now face identical remaining schedules—clashes against the Aix Argonauts and Nice Dolphins—making their playoff fates interdependent. For the Grizzlys Catalans, the win revitalizes their postseason hopes, but overcoming the Ours’ point differential remains a hurdle.

Southern Conference Showdowns Await
With two games left, the race for the final playoff spot hinges on how these rivals fare against shared opponents. If their Week 9 duel was any indication, the D1 Elite’s Southern Conference will deliver drama until the final whistle.