BTN News: In a dramatic and closely contested rugby showdown, SIC (San Isidro Club) edged out their arch-rivals CASI (Club Atlético San Isidro) with a nail-biting 27-26 win on a sunny afternoon in Boulogne, Buenos Aires. This latest chapter of the historic rivalry kept fans on the edge of their seats, as the home team maintained their lead throughout most of the game, despite a late surge by CASI. The victory marks SIC’s fifth consecutive win in the Top 12 URBA tournament, solidifying their position in the race for the semifinals, while CASI faces an uphill battle to stay in contention.
A Classic Derby With High Stakes
The much-anticipated Buenos Aires rugby derby between SIC and CASI delivered everything fans could hope for — intensity, drama, and suspense. SIC dominated the first half, establishing a 21-9 lead by halftime. Despite CASI’s best efforts, the team struggled to keep pace, relying heavily on their formidable scrum to win penalties. Meanwhile, SIC capitalized on quick plays and solid kicking from Santiago Pavlovsky to keep the scoreboard ticking.
SIC’s Early Dominance and Tactical Brilliance
SIC started strong, with standout performances from Justo Piccardo and Mateo Albanese, who engineered two key tries in the first half. The first try came after Albanese quickly played a penalty, catching CASI off-guard and setting up Piccardo for a finish. Later, a brilliant counterattack covering the entire field led to a spectacular try by González Capdevilla, extending SIC’s lead. Pavlovsky, a crucial figure in the match, added 11 points with his flawless kicking, giving SIC a commanding advantage at halftime.
CASI’s Gritty Comeback Effort in the Second Half
Despite trailing 21-9, CASI regrouped and mounted a determined comeback in the second half. Their efforts paid off when Felipe Hileman crossed the line for a try, which was successfully converted by Juan Akemeier. CASI further narrowed the gap with a try by BenjamÃn Belaga in the final minutes, again converted by Akemeier, bringing the score to a tense 27-26. With just minutes left on the clock, CASI pressed hard, but SIC’s defense held firm, thanks in part to a crucial ball turnover by Piccardo.
Semifinal Race Heats Up: What Lies Ahead for SIC and CASI?
With three matches remaining, the Top 12 URBA semifinals race is tighter than ever. SIC, now tied in third place with Belgrano on 62 points, has a challenging road ahead. Their upcoming fixtures include a visit to CUBA, an away match against Alumni, and a final home game against Champagnat. CASI, meanwhile, sits five points behind and must secure victories against Champagnat and Atlético del Rosario before a crucial showdown against Newman, the tournament leader.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Justo Piccardo’s Critical Turnover: With just two minutes remaining, Piccardo’s decisive steal under pressure prevented a last-gasp score by CASI, sealing the win for SIC.
- Santiago Pavlovsky’s Reliable Boot: Pavlovsky’s consistent performance, contributing 17 points with his kicking, proved vital in keeping SIC ahead throughout the game.
- CASI’s Late Surge: Despite a slow start, CASI showed resilience in the second half with tries from Hileman and Belaga, pushing SIC to the very end.
Looking Ahead: High Stakes and Tough Matches for Both Teams
As the tournament approaches its climax, both SIC and CASI must navigate a challenging schedule to secure a place in the semifinals. SIC aims to continue their winning streak and hold their spot among the top four, while CASI faces the daunting task of making up lost ground. Every point will matter in these final weeks, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Top 12 URBA season.
Conclusion: SIC Holds Their Nerve to Claim Crucial Win
With their hard-fought victory over CASI, SIC not only asserted their dominance in this classic Buenos Aires rivalry but also took a significant step towards securing a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, CASI’s narrow loss leaves them with little room for error in the coming weeks. As the Top 12 URBA tournament heats up, both teams will need to bring their best game to secure a spot in the final four.
