Latest news with #ChiaraCheli
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kristin Kone elated after Italy's thrilling win over Wales
Kristin Kone was left feeling elated after Italy edged out Wales 28-24 to round off their 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series with a thrilling win. Hooker Chiara Cheli produced a stand-out performance – bagging herself a second-half hattrick which included the match-winning try - during an absorbing encounter in which Italy took the lead four times in Caerphilly. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose, but ultimately Italy made sure they were on the right side of the result despite Wales scoring four tries of their own. It caps a pleasing turnaround for Italy who lost to France 46-5 in their opening game before falling 36-20 to England on matchday 2 having led that match 15-0 at half time. And full-back Kone was full of praise for her team's resolve during their final battle with the competition's hosts. She said: 'We are feeling pretty awesome right now. It was a tough game, but we kept on going and we believed in our team until the last minute. We're pretty proud of what we've done during this whole experience.' Italy's physical prowess has been their strength throughout the Women's Summer Series and Cheli was able to score all of her tries from close range off the back of good work by her fellow forwards. But Kone admitted Wales didn't make things easy for her side. 'It was a very tough game as Wales played pretty well, but we're very excited and happy with the result,' she continued. 'Absolutely [it was a physical game]. The Wales players are really tough, pretty big, but our defence was pretty thick, and we kept on going. I'm very proud of my teammates.' This has been the second incarnation of the Women's Summer Series, a tournament designed to give U20s players the opportunity to play more competitive rugby to help with their development, something which Kone thinks has helped her side over the past two weeks. She added: 'Absolutely [this gives us confidence going forward]. From this match we've grown a lot. We started [the tournament] against France and then the English, we've come a long way, and we've enjoyed it.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Metcalfe left to rue what might have been after losing to Italy in thriller
Wales captain Branwen Metcalfe was left to rue what might have been after her side was edged out by Italy 28-24 in a thrilling 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series contest. Chiara Cheli's second-half hattrick ultimately proved decisive for Italy, with the substitute hooker's third try on 74 minutes proving to be the game winning score. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose, but ultimately Wales came up just short despite bagging four tries of their own through Molly Wakely, Savannah Picton-Powell, Seren Singleton and Chiara Pearce. But Wales were punished by their opponents for their ill-discipline, as a series of penalties helped Italy, including with Cheli's final score. 'I'm really disappointed with our discipline to be honest,' said Metcalfe. 'I know we can do a lot better than that. It's a shame we couldn't finish it off today. Our intent was great. We worked really hard, and I can't fault the girls' effort. It's just silly penalties in the end that let us down.' Having fallen behind to Elena Errichiello converted try, Wakely breached the Italian backline on 25 minutes to get Wales on the scoreboard. Wales then took the lead 10 minutes later through the dangerous Picton-Powell. Cheli put Italy back in control at 14-12 but Singleton finished off a brilliantly worked move to swing the pendulum back in Wales's favour. Italy's physical prowess has been a strength of theirs through this Women's Summer Series and Cheli was able to score a virtually identical second try to her first – burrowing over off the back of a ruck – to hand back the initiative to the team in blue. Much like a heavyweight slugfest, both teams continued to trade blows, and Pearce landed the next telling shot, dotting down to edge Wales back in front for a third time on 64 minutes. However, Cheli's third close-range try with six minutes to go, and Lavinia Pratichetti 100% conversion record, proved decisive in one of the games of the competition. The result means Wales finish the Women's Summer Series with a record of two defeats and one win having lost to Ireland 27-10 in their first game before bouncing back against Scotland, winning 52-29 on matchday two.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Italy overcome Wales in thrilling 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series contest
By Phil Campbell Chiara Cheli's second-half hattrick saw Italy to a thrilling 28-24 victory over Wales to round off their 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series with a win. Cheli's third score proved to be the difference during an absorbing encounter in which Italy took the lead four times in Caerphilly. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose, but ultimately Wales came up just short despite bagging four tries of their own. The two sides were quick out of the blocks as they both looked to assert themselves over the other during the opening exchanges. Wales were then able to up the ante and enjoyed success down the left wing with Nia Fajeyisan in particular causing Italy problems with her speed and athleticism. But it was Italy who broke the deadlock after 18 minutes through talismanic captain Elena Errichiello. The No. 8 has been a constant spark for her side during this Women's Summer Series, and she was able to cross over following a strong showing from her forwards near Wales' tryline. Lavinia Pratichetti ensured the extra two points, but the competition hosts rallied after falling behind. Molly Wakely breached the Italian backline on 25 minutes, capping off a period of Welsh pressure to get them on the scoreboard, and the side led by Branwen Metcalfe took the lead 10 minutes later when the dangerous Savannah Picton-Powell skilfully scored. Italy hit back after the break and took advantage of a Welsh lineout error five metres from their line. The throw went long from the touchline and Cheli capitalised to drive over. Pratichetti was clinical from the tee once again as Italy found themselves leading 14-12. But the game continued to unfold in a pendulum-like fashion as four minutes later, Wales retook the lead. A blistering move got the home side within touching distance of the Italian tryline down the right, but when it became obvious the left side would prove fruitful, the ball was worked brilliantly out wide, and Seren Singleton was on hand to finish the move off. Italy's physical prowess has been a strength of theirs through this Women's Summer Series and Cheli was able to score a virtually identical second try to her first – burrowing over off the back of a ruck – to hand back the initiative to the team in blue. Much like a heavyweight slugfest, both teams continued to trade blows, and Chiara Pearce landed the next telling shot, dotting down to edge Wales back in front for a third time. However, Cheli's third close-range try with six minutes to go, and Pratichetti 100% conversion record, proved decisive in one of the games of the competition.
