Piacenza-based XIII Del Ducato have retained the Italian Championship after a 26-16 win over Grifons Padova in the Grand Final staged at the Stadio Augusteo di Este in Padova. Ducato took the lead in the 8th minute, a wayward pass seeing centre Pavoni swoop and race away for the opening try, converted by Robuschi. Showing an edge close to the ruck, Grifons hit back, Sands crossing in the 18th minute followed by Pettenello in the 34th, both tries converted by Simioni and Dallara almost went in for another just before half time as the Padovans led 12-6 at the break.
Ducato started the second half strongly with man of the match Matteo Rossi taking charge while Grifons began to lose their discipline as their error count rose. After 46 minutes, centre Drake Muyodi went in for Ducato, Robuschi’s conversion tying up the game again and they took the lead with Pavoni’s second touchdown, also goaled by Robuschi which put the Piacenza side ahead 18-12.
With both sides increasingly desperate to claim the title at all costs, tempers flared which resulted in a yellow card for Prizzon on the hour mark. With a man advantage, XIII del Ducato scored twice to seal victory. Edgar Muyodi going over in the 63rd minute and his brother Drake again touching down four minutes later. The last 10 minutes saw Grifons pull out all the stops to put themselves back in contention, with a try from Simioni from a quick play the ball their consolation but the Piacenza side held on.
XIII DEL DUCATO 26 GRIFONS PADOVA 16
XIII del Ducato
Stead, Ilinca, D.Muyodi, E.Muyodi, Rossi, Cenerini, Berzieri, Franchi, Barzan, Covati, Cerri, Montegudo. A disposizione Schiavi, Genev, Nannini, Pavia, Forestieri
Grifons Padova
Simioni, Facco, Dallara, Visentin, Portaluri, Quitadamo, Fontana, Reffo, Delhoum, Prizzon, Stanica, Paluello, Sands. A disposizione Pettenello, Simionato, Zordan, Zacchia.
Marcatori:
Primo Tempo: 8’ m. Pavoni tr Rossi, 18’ m. Sands tr Simioni, 34’ m. Pettenello tr Simioni.
Secondo Tempo: 6’ m D.Muyodi tr Rossi, 13’ m. Pavoni tr. Rossi, 23’ m E.Muyodi, 27 m. D.Muyodi, 32’ m.Simioni.