Zebre Parma fell to a 36-17 defeat against Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets in Round 13 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. The Welsh side built a commanding first-half lead and managed the contest in the second period, despite a much-improved performance from the Italian franchise after the break.
Scarlets crossed the line six times through Taylor (2), Lousi, Page, Mee and Davis, while Zebre replied with tries from Gesi, Stavile and Odiase. Leggatt-Jones added three conversions, while Da Re converted once from three attempts. The Player of the Match award was shared between Holz and Macleod.
(FIRST HALF)
Scarlets made a fast start and took the lead early in the contest.
On 2 minutes, Taylor crossed following a scrum in Zebre territory, finding space on the short side despite Gesi’s tackle attempt. Leggatt-Jones missed the conversion, Scarlets led 5-0.
The home side maintained momentum and territorial dominance.
On 13 minutes, Lousi capitalised from a lineout maul situation, reacting quickest to ground the ball. Leggatt-Jones converted to make it 12-0.
Zebre looked to respond and entered the Scarlets’ 22 around the 20-minute mark, but a handling error from Pieretto halted their progress.
Scarlets extended their lead on 25 minutes, with Page finishing off a series of phases close to the line. Leggatt-Jones added the extras, 19-0.
Before the break, Mee added a fourth try out wide on 37 minutes, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 24-0.
It was a one-sided opening half, with Zebre struggling to generate continuity and possession.
Half time: Scarlets 24 - Zebre Parma 0
(SECOND HALF)
Zebre came out with renewed intent after the break, making several changes and showing greater attacking ambition.
Their first real opportunity came on 49 minutes from a well-executed lineout, but Quattrini was held up over the line. Scarlets managed to clear their lines and relieve pressure.
On 57 minutes, the home side struck again. A driving maul provided the platform for Davis to score Scarlets’ fifth try. Leggatt-Jones missed the conversion, 29-0.
Zebre responded well and got on the scoreboard on 64 minutes, with Gesi finishing out wide after sustained pressure. Da Re missed the conversion, 29-5.
Scarlets hit back immediately. A mistake under the restart allowed the hosts to regain possession, and Taylor crossed for his second try. Leggatt-Jones converted to extend the lead to 36-5 on 65 minutes.
Zebre continued to push in the final stages and were rewarded late on. A potential Scarlets try was ruled out by the TMO for a forward pass before the Italians added further scores.
On 79 minutes, Stavile finished a well-weighted cross-kick from Dominguez, although the conversion was missed.
In added time, Zebre secured their third try through Odiase following multiple attacking phases. Da Re converted to bring the final score to 36-17.
Full Time: Scarlets 36 - Zebre Parma 17
++ MATCH DETAILS ++
SCARLETS 36 – ZEBRE PARMA 17
Parc y Scarlets, kick-off 19:45
Scorers: 2’ try Taylor (5-0), 13’ try Lousi, con Leggatt-Jones (12-0), 25’ try Page, con Leggatt-Jones (19-0), 37’ try Mee (24-0), 57’ try Davis (29-0), 64’ try Gesi (29-5), 65’ try Taylor, con Leggatt-Jones (36-5), 79’ try Stavile (36-10), 80+3’ try Odiase, con Da Re (36-17)
Kickers: Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets) 3/6, Da Re (Zebre Parma) 1/3
Discipline: No cards
Attendance: 5,029
SCARLETS
15) Murray
14) Rogers
13) Page
12) Williams
11) Mee (60’ Jones)
10) Leggatt-Jones (71’ Hawkins)
9) Hughes (55’ Blacker)
8) Anderson
7) Macleod (C) (53’ Davis)
6) Taylor
5) Douglas
4) Lousi (58’ Price)
3) Holz (50’ Hawley)
2) Elias (50’ van der Merwe) (80’ Elias)
1. Mathias
Replacements: van der Merwe, Thomas, Hawley, Price, Davis, Blacker, Hawkins, Jones
Head Coach: Dwayne Peel
ZEBRE PARMA
15) Belloni
14) Batista (44’ Bertaccini)
13) Zanon
12) Mazza (68’ Roger Farias)
11) Gesi
10) Da Re
9) Garcia (58’ Dominguez)
8) Ferrari (67’ Stavile)
7) Bianchi (41’ Odiase)
6) Stavile (62’ Ruggeri)
5) Ortombina
4) Canali
3) Pieretto (68’ Neculai)
2) Ribaldi (44’ Quattrini)
1) Buonfiglio (C) (41’ Pitinari)
Replacements: Quattrini, Pitinari, Neculai, Ruggeri, Odiase, Dominguez, Roger Farias, Bertaccini
Referee: Peter Martin
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans, Max Clements
TMO: Leo Colgan
Player of the Match: Holz (Scarlets), shared with Macleod