Monigo derby goes to Benetton Treviso: Zebre Parma knockout

Christmas time, which for Benetton Rugby always equals the’arrival of the Italian derbies. At Monigo the Lions returned to United Rugby Championship play in Round 7 and beat Zebre Parma 21-15 in the first of two Christmas derbies.

Monigo is sold-out and 5,000 green-and-white fans ignite the Treviso stadium. First bars characterized by repeated tactical play by both teams. Physicality felt by both sides in every ruck, when the Lions earn a free kick from long central distance: Jacob Umaga goes to the posts and unlocks the challenge. Benetton did not materialize some propitious opportunities due to some handling errors and after the first quarter the score was still 3-0.

The green-and-whites press their foot on the accelerator and score the first heavy marker: Zuliani’s central scamper, Marin arms the run of Ignacio Mendy who unleashes all his speed and scores. Umaga converts. Zebre blurring into indiscipline and hosts going to the posts again: Jacob Umaga is very good at hitting the posts. Meanwhile, Gasperini takes over for the injured Bernasconi. Afterwards, the Parmesans win a turnover and decide to kick from the penalty spot: Montemauri gives his side their first three points of the afternoon. The first half then ended with Lamaro and his teammates leading 13-3.

Aldo Seghedoni

The resumption begins and Benetton Rugby attacks in drumming fashion: another Zebre foul and Benetton going to the posts: Jacob Umaga is still surgical. Meanwhile, enter Cannon for Fa’aso’o. The Lions are forced to stay in 14 against 15 for the admonition given to Menoncello, author of a tackle against Fusco without the ball. The Zebras thus took advantage of the superiority and Giacomo Ferrari crowned in goal a long play. Montemauri does not convert and the score is 16-8. There’s also room for Marini in place of Ruzza. The Lions are gladiators and hold out with a strenuous and very long defense. Spanish for Gallo and Pasquali for Simone Ferrari also enter. It’s back to a numerical parity meanwhile.

Whiancovers who have more and make the difference with the maul: overflowing drive led by Nicholas Gasperini who goes in goal. Umaga nabs the post. Coach MacRae inserts Fekitoa for Marin. The Ducals don&#8217t let up and reopen the contest with Gesi&#8217s goal, who recovers the oval on the goal line and at speed goes for the goal. Montemauri converts and green-and-whites ahead 21-15. Last substitution for the Lions: Werchon for Garbisi. The last minutes are exciting, with the green-and-whites holding excellently in defense and managing to bring home a very precious success 21-15 and four important points for the standings. Next Saturday the second derby away to Parma.