VPC Andorra edges CAU València 33-30 in thriller to stay in promotion hunt

**VPC Andorra secures dramatic 33-30 win over CAU València to stay in promotion race**

VPC Andorra claimed a thrilling 33-30 victory away at CAU Rugby València on Sunday, securing their second straight win in the Spanish División de Honor B promotion phase and climbing to sixth place, just one point off the fourth and final play-off spot with three rounds remaining.

The match began poorly for the Andorrans, as the hosts took an early lead with a try by Javi Chirivella, converted by Joan Terol, making it 7-0 in the fifth minute. VPC responded swiftly through fly-half Gastón González, who landed penalty kicks in the 10th and 25th minutes to narrow the gap.

A turning point came in the 28th minute when CAU València were reduced to 14 players after a red card. VPC capitalised with a try from Leon Laguerre, converted by González, to lead 13-7 at halftime.

The second half saw intense exchanges. CAU València fought back with tries from Rodrigo and Cabedo, plus further penalties from Terol, to surge ahead 24-19 with around 20 minutes left. VPC levelled via a penalty try at the 62nd minute, but Terol's two more penalties restored the hosts' lead at 30-26 with eight minutes to go.

In the final play, Thibaut Trape assisted Hugo Llata for a decisive try in the 79th minute, with González adding the conversion for the final 30-33 scoreline. González finished with 18 points from five penalties, two conversions, and the match-winning kick.

Coach Dani Raya praised his side's resilience: "It was a very tough match against a well-structured rival. There were moments when we weren't at our best, but the players' sacrifice was key. We're still in the fight, though we want more."

This result follows VPC's recent win over Sevilla and reverses an earlier three-match losing streak. The tricolors, nicknamed for their colours, had split two prior meetings with CAU València this season—winning one and losing one. CAU, regular-season Group B leaders under coach Manolo Nadal (absent due to a family bereavement), showed fight despite the setback.

VPC host Soto del Real at Estadi Nacional on May 2.