Shingler’s boot sinks Zebre

Editor

Scarlets fly-half Steven Shingler kicked an impressive seven penalties and a conversion as the Welsh region defeated Zebre 28-13.

Scarlets fly-half Steven Shingler kicked an impressive seven penalties and a conversion as the Welsh region defeated Zebre 28-13.

The Italian outfit had taken a half-time lead at Parc y Scarlets as they seeked to back up a maiden win in Europe the weekend before in the Challenge Cup.

Hunting down only a second ever Pro12 win with their 13-12 half-time advantage, Shingler’s boot edged the Scarlets back into the lead.

Leicester had been defeated the last time the Scarlets ran out at home the previous Saturday, but this was a tricker task.

18 players were missing for the Scarlets down to international call-ups or injury, making Shingler’s kicking essential.

The young Welshman and opposite man Edoardo Padovann traded penalties throughout the opening quarter.

Wet weather hindered an open contest before the Italians scored the first try in unusual fashion.

Steffan Evans was charged down following Brendan Leonard’s missed drop goal, allowing Valerio Bernabo to chase up and score.

A fourth Shingler penalty left the visitors ahead by only a point by the interval.

Zebre through would remain scoreless in the second half as they momentum stalled.

Shingler’s reliable boot continued to dictate and when Zebre lost Dario Chistolini to the sin-bin the dye was cast.

The home side’s scrum was too powerful, with Evans breaking the line to score the hosts’ only try as further points from Shingler’s boot wrapped up the contest.

The scorers:

For Scarlets:
Try: Evans
Con: ShinglerPens: S Shingler 7
Yellow Card: Earle

For Zebre:
Try: Bernarbo
Con: Padovani
Pens: Padovani 2
Yellow Card: Chistolini

Scarlets: 15 Steffan Evans, 14 Harry Robinson, 13 Michael Tagicakibau, 12 Gareth Owen, 11 Kristian Phillips, 10 Steven Shingler, 9 Aled Davies, 8 John Barclay (c), 7 James Davies, 6 Aaron Shingler, 5 Johan Snyman, 4 George Earle, 3 Peter Edwards, 2 Kirby Myhill, 1 Rob Evans.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Phil John, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Sion Bennett, 20 Rory Pitman, 21 Rhodri Davies, 22 Josh Lewis, 23 Steffan Hughes

Zebre: 15 David Odiete, 14 Giulio Toniolatti, 13 Mirco Bergamasco, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Leonardo Sarto, 10 Edoardo Padovani, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Andries Van Schalkwyk, 7 Filippo Cristiano, 6 Mauro Bergamasco (c), 5 Valerio Bernab