Late Venter try seals Edinburgh win over Zebre

Edinburgh produced a dramatic late comeback to edge Zebre Parma 31 to 30 in a thrilling URC clash, sealing victory with a last minute try in front of their home crowd.

The match began at a high tempo, with Edinburgh striking early. After winning a penalty and kicking to the corner, they executed well from the lineout, allowing Connor Boyle to crash over for the opening try. Ross Thompson added the conversion to make it 7 to 0.

Zebre responded with intent. Quick taps from penalties caught Edinburgh off guard, and scrum half Alessandro Fusco darted over to score. Soon after, Simone Gesi finished out wide following sustained pressure, giving the visitors a 12 to 7 lead despite a missed conversion.

Edinburgh regained control through a moment to remember for debutant Hector Patterson. A clever attacking move involving Mosese Tuipulotu and Malelili Satala created space, and Patterson finished confidently for his first try, with Thompson converting.

Before halftime, Ewan Ashman powered through multiple defenders to score, extending Edinburgh’s lead. Although the conversion was missed, they held a 19 to 15 advantage at the break after Zebre slotted a penalty.

The second half was just as intense. Zebre edged ahead through Jacopo Trulla, who finished off a slick move, but Ashman responded again, driving over from a maul for his second try of the night.

As the clock ticked down, Zebre added a penalty and then took the lead after a TMO review overturned a no try decision, with Giovanni Montemauri converting.

With time almost up, Edinburgh showed composure and grit. After multiple phases near the line, Boan Venter powered over in the 79th minute. Cammy Scott converted under pressure to seal a dramatic one point victory.

Ashman’s standout performance earned him Player of the Match, while Patterson impressed on debut in a match defined by resilience and late drama.