An uninspiring and ill-disciplined Hollywoodbets Sharks will return to South Africa without a win from four matches after they lost to Zebre Parma by 12-10 on Friday evening in Parma.
The first half was a stop-start affair as both sides were penalised. The Sharks led 10-06 after 16 minutes of play in the first half and although Zebre set up camp in the Sharks' red zone for the last 15 minutes of the first half, brilliant defence by the Sharks secured them a 10-06 lead going into the second half. Two penalties converted in the second half secured the 12-10 win for Zebre.
The first 10 minutes of the match were spoilt by the penalties awarded against both sides. Zebre led 06-03 as the two teams struggled to find some rhythm, depending on the boot of their kickers to keep the scoreboard rolling.
The Sharks started to gain ascendancy over their hosts late in the first quarter of the match. After 16 minutes of play, Sharks scrumhalf Cameron Wright scored the visitor's first try following brilliant handling and interplay by the Sharks to go into the lead by 10-05.
During the final 15 minutes of the first half, Zebre set up camp in the Sharks red zone on the back of several penalties conceded by the visitors. A big defensive effort from the Sharks kept Zebre from scoring despite their territorial dominance. The Sharks led 10-06 going into the second half.
The Sharks started the second half like a house on fire, however, as in the first half, the Sharks could not add to their scoreboard despite their effort. A yellow card against Aphelele Fassi after 20 minutes of play in the second half was converted by Geronimo Prisciantelli to reduce the Sharks lead to one point.
Zebre took the lead with Geronimo Prisciantelli's 3rd converted penalty with 13 minutes to play in the second half.
A red card against Hyron Andrews with 3 minutes to play sealed the 12-10 win for Zebre, which was Zebre's first win in 18 months.
Scorers:
Zebre Parma: Penalty: Geronimo Prisciantelli (3), Jacopo Trulla.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: Try: Cameron Wright. Conversion: Boeta Chamberlain. Penalty: Boeta Chamberlain.