Heriot’s lose out to Italians but gain experience

Heriot’s were unable to overcome Italy Emerging for the second successive time during the Italian-Scottish Challenge, with the visitors outscoring the home side six tries to two and coming out on top with a 43-15 victory over the weekend.  Despite the result, Heriot’s Head Coach Phil Smith spoke positively of the challenge, which has provided his squad with an opportunity to test themselves against emerging talent from Italy’s domestic competition, the National Championship, Eccellenza.He said: “The challenge resulted in wider members of the team, who are not always involved in BT Premiership action, experiencing two competitive matches against tough opposition.Even though we were disappointed to have lost both games, it was a great experience for everyone involved and I’m confident it has developed and benefitted the whole squad.”Attempting to reverse their previous 50-33 away defeat to the Italians, Heriot’s came out firing and were the first to score after early pressure resulted in a penalty, which Ewan Fox converted in the eighth minute.Italy Emerging reacted effectively with Matteo Minozzi touching down in the corner after the visitors probed the Heriot’s defence.The Italians continued to impress and were rewarded with their second score, courtesy of a chip and collect from Alberto Chillon. Paolo Pescetto added the conversion.Captain Michael Liness gave his side hope as the hooker went under the posts for a try before Fox’s conversion resulted in a charge down from the opposition.Pescetto slotted a penalty for Italy Emerging in response while Minozzi set up Matteo Gabbienelli for a score minutes later, with Pescetto adding the extras before the interval.After the break, it was the Italians who struck first. Simone Marinaro was let loose down the wing and managed to finish off in style before Pescetto converted his score.Sebastien Negri claimed Italy Emerging’s fifth try with Pescetto again adding the points.Heriot’s continued to fight with Charlie Simpson releasing Gavin Parker for a dot down, as Donald Crawford landed an impressive touchline conversion.However, Italy Emerging finished the game with a try from Minozzi before Pescetto converted to see out an Italian win in the inaugural Italian-Scottish Challenge.  Heriot’s: Gavin Parker; John Rae, Robbie Mulvena, Donald Crawford, Josh laird; Ewan Fox, Tom Wilson; Gavin Cameron, Michael Liness CAPTAIN, Ruaridh Mitchell, Clarke Smith, Callum Marshall, Michael Maltman, Chris Fusaro, Struan Dewar. Replacements: Ali Johnstone, Struan Cessford, Martin Bouab, Nick Sutherland, Martin Hughes, Alex Ball, Liam Steele, Charlie Simpson.Italy Emerging: Matteo Minozzi; Simone Rossi, Matteo Gabbianelli, Enrico Lucchin, Andrea Bettin; Paolo Pescetto, Alberto Chillon; Tommaso Bergonzini, Alexandre Marius Luus, George Iacob, Samuele Ortis, Leonard Krumov, Matteo Corazzi, Andrea Trotta, Sebastien Luke Negri da Oleggio. Replacements: Adriano Daniele, Niccolo Zago, Roberto Tenga, Davide Fragnito, Simone Marinaro, Leonardo Mantelli, Pierre Bruno, Nicola Grigolon.Referee: Keith Allen Image: Fred Palmer BT Premiership action returns on Saturday 3 December. For a full list of fixtures, click here.