A brace from Simone Gesi helped Zebre Parma defeat Dragons RFC 20-17 in their EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3 match in Italy.
The home side had been down 12-8 at half-time, with Dragons RFC fly-half Cai Evans more than happy to punish any Zebre Parma mistakes, kicking four first-half penalties.
But the Italian club scored the first period's only try via Gesi, and while Giovanni Montemauri missed the conversion he added three from the tee soon after to ensure there was hope for the hosts in the second period.
They led soon after the restart, with Jacopo Bianchi crossing to give them the lead, Montemauri converting, and the hosts were not done there as Gesi finished well for his second try and Zebre Parma’s third.
Evans then missed a crucial penalty, but Dragons RFC were not done yet; Jared Rosser gathered a cross-field kick well to finish in the corner for an unconverted score and bring them back within three of their hosts, setting up an enthralling final 20 minutes.
But Zebre Parma held firm and Dragons RFC were unable to get the points they needed, the hosts holding on for a vital win in Pool 1.
Both teams still have hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16, but Dragons RFC will know they'll likely need to defeat Hollywoodbets Sharks back in Wales next weekend. Zebre Parma, meanwhile, will want to finish on a win at Section Paloise.
Click below for all the match highlights...
