Alençon and Argentan are set to renew their rivalry on Saturday, March 28th, at the Salle Jidouard (4:00 PM local time). The two top teams from the Orne department will face off in the return match of the 9th round of the French Nationale 2 badminton championship. Argentan secured a decisive 7-1 victory in the first encounter.
For Argentan, who are aiming to solidify their position in Nationale 2 after being promoted this year, maintaining their status is almost assured. “We’ve just been promoted to N2 this year with a very young team, with no experience at this level. The goal was therefore to stay up and gain experience to set other objectives in the years to come,” explained captain Than Shanmugarajah. “Thanks to the experience of Maxime Renault, the veteran, the youngsters have learned a lot and have shown great team cohesion throughout the championship. We are currently 4th with two teams behind us, including Maisons-Laffite, whom we will play in the last match of the season… It’s going to happen.”
The CAB (Club Alençonnais Badminton) team, led by Yann Lemesle, has a different outlook. “The objective is to continue winning to play Orléans, the leader, and potentially participate in the playoffs. Mathematically, it’s still possible, even if, honestly, the possibility of achieving it is very slim. It will be very complicated. For Saturday, we know that Argentan will want to do better than in the first match.”
Looking Ahead: Alençon’s Ambitions
Even as maintaining their position is a success for Argentan, Alençon is already looking ahead to next season. “We’ve been playing at this level for four seasons, with progress in the standings each edition. Clearly, the goal is to move up to Nationale 1 next season. This will require the arrival of players who will strengthen the squad. I already have some contacts in progress…” stated Yann Lemesle.
Saturday’s match will showcase some of the best players in the department. The Alençon side boasts several players with Nationale 1 rankings, including Céline Heude Garnier, Tanguy Barbelette, Tom Germain (ranked 15th in France and recently participated in the French Championships in Caen), and his doubles partner Arthur Vaugeois.
On the Argentan side, Arthur Shanmugarajah and Maxime Renault both hold Nationale 1 rankings in singles and doubles, respectively. Both clubs are expected to have strong support from their fans, promising a lively atmosphere.
Than Shanmugarajah concluded, “We will do everything You can to produce a much better badminton performance than in the first match where we lost 7-1. Clearly, the Alençon team is above us, but we will give our maximum… It’s always a special encounter, all the players know and appreciate each other.”
This derby promises a compelling display of badminton skill and sportsmanship. The match offers a crucial opportunity for both teams to achieve their respective goals within the Nationale 2 league. For Argentan, it’s about solidifying their hard-earned place, while Alençon aims to demonstrate their potential for future promotion. The Salle Jidouard is set to be filled with passionate supporters eager to witness this exciting clash between two of Orne’s finest badminton clubs.
Following this weekend’s match, both teams will continue their pursuit of their season objectives. Argentan will face Maisons-Laffite in their final match, while Alençon will look to continue their winning streak and potentially challenge Orléans for a playoff spot. Fans can stay updated on the teams’ progress through their respective club websites and official league announcements.
What are your predictions for the Alençon vs. Argentan derby? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
