Rugby Viadana has a bitter taste at Reggio Emilia’s Mirabello Stadium, where they suffered a sixth defeat and still have controversial refereeing implications after the head-to-head encounter.

With the game in the balance, Gialoneri soon found excellent marking with Ciardullo, where he read and manipulated the space well enough for Troker to cross the goal line. The Emilian answer comes with two rings labeled Resino and Sbrocco. To be four lengths down at half-time (i.e. less than an effort) at the end of the first half meant being up for the challenge. Exchange rates play a fundamental role.

In the second half, the yellow and blacks pressed to take the lead again and the intent of Coach Urdanetta’s boys was reflected in the captain’s goal, Locatelli getting on the scoresheet in perhaps the most important moment of the match. But the balance remained and Mantovani’s indiscipline gave Emilians a new advantage thanks to two kicks from the pitch (20-17). Will it last?

The feat lasted, and the distribution of yellow cards is still a matter of debate, especially the one shown to Sotola, the only athlete to be punished for a “disagreement” involving players from both divisions. The defensive bonus point is little consolation for a number of missed chances, including two failed kicks from the pitch and another that could have created a better attacking platform off the field.

Tejariso, perhaps due to a leg injury, showed great heart as the captain of the Yellow and Black trio of Locatelli-Paulucci-Romanini, the author of a usually magnificent performance made of generosity, character and talent.

Among the regrets is the wonderful combination between Sos and Ciardullo that could have led to the decisive goal, which was missed due to a transmission fault in the final half. Newton was also adjudged 100% player of the match from the pitch’s decisive result, and the Devils overcame the Devils by a narrow margin to secure a crucial victory to bring the top teams closer.

The happy note of the day still comes from young Simone Brisigella, who participated and contributed (taking over from the bench) to Italy’s under-20 team’s victory in Dublin (score 47-50) against their Irish peers.