Zebre vs Ospreys
30th November 2024
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
It was a tough night in Parma as Ospreys narrowly lost out to a fierce Zebre team. The Italians scored three tries to two in a close encounter that saw Ospreys come away with a losing bonus point.
Zebre held the lead throughout, smartly converting their chances despite sustained periods of Ospreys pressure.
Two tries from winger Simone Gesi and a third for his counterpart Jacopo Trulla were enough for the home side, alongside two conversions and a penalty kick from fly half Giacomo Da Re.
Ospreys scores came from Dan Kasende’s first try alongside a smart score from replacement Hooker Lewis Lloyd. Owen Williams took both conversions and a penalty for an extra three points.
Despite gathering momentum in the final ten minutes of play, Ospreys couldn’t steal a winning score before Zebre were able to find touch with the clock in the red.
The game started with changing possession for both teams and sustained Ospreys pressure in the Zebre 22. Sam Parry looked dangerous at the lineout, which remained an Ospreys strength throughout the game.
But it was the Italians who scored first following a neat assist from Jacopo Trulla to see Simone Gesi through in the corner. De Ra kicked his first conversion to put the home team in front. Zebre Parma 7 – 0 Ospreys.
Several Zebre penalties gifted Ospreys possession and territory. Good hands from Keiran Williams and Owen Watkin in midfield were creating opportunities, including an almost try for 100 cap man Keelan Giles in the corner.
Eventually, penalties became pressure became points as a looping pass out to Dan Kasende saw him dive over in the opposite corner for his first Ospreys try. Owen Williams converted to level the scores. Zebre Parma 7 – 7 Ospreys.
Fullback Geronimo Prisciantelli looked dangerous for Zebre and eventually put Simone Gesi away for his second try. De Ra curled the kick out wide to the left, missing the conversion. Zebre Parma 12 – 7 Ospreys.
Zebre were warned about repeated infringements in their own half as the penalty count crept up towards the end of the second half. Owen Williams converted a kickable opportunity into points to close out the second half and bring Ospreys within three.
Half Time: Zebre Parma 12 – 10 Ospreys.
The Zebre backs continued to create space at the start of the second half. Jacopa Trualla secured their third and final try after three minutes, taking advantage of space in the Ospreys defensive line. Da Re added the extras. Zebre Parma 19 – 10 Ospreys.
Possession switched hands across the third quarter, with neither team able to capitalise. De Re attempted a penalty kick from inside his own half, but the ball fell short and was swiftly recovered by Owen Williams who did well to clear.
Another penalty opportunity for De Re on 55 minutes was successful and saw Zebre add their final three points. Zebre Parma 22 – 10 Ospreys.
Ospreys continued to challenge in the Zebre 22, but were unable to convert territory into points for large periods of the second half as the Italian defense held firm.
A raft of substitions for the final 10 minutes brought fresh legs and Ospreys were rewarded as Lewis Lloyd barreled over for a second try. Owen Williams slotted the conversion. Zebre Parma 22 – 17 Ospreys.
Ospreys battled hard in the final minutes as possession switched hands several times, but it was Zebre who were able to wrestle control and guide the ball safely into touch as the clock turned red.
It was a tough evening in Parma against a quality Zebre outfit.
Full Time: Zebre Parma 22 – 17 Ospreys