Benvenuti clinches famous Treviso victory

AIRONI made their presence felt against Munster on their Magners League debut but Italian compatriots Benetton Treviso went one better as they scored a 34-28 win over the Scarlets.

Tommaso Benvenuti’s late try earned Benetton Treviso a thrilling opening to their new life in the Magners League life.

The Italian side trailed 22-9 at half-time but produced a stunning performance in the second period to make an instant impact on the competition.

Scrum-half Tobie Botes contributed 21 points including a try and Italy international Ezio Galon and Benvenuti also crossed for the hosts at the Stadio di Monigo.

Botes landed an early penalty but that by no means set the tone for the first half as the Welsh side opened up a significant lead, a converted try from wing George North right on half-time leaving the visitors seemingly well in control.

Treviso had lost No 8 Manoa Vosawai to a yellow card two minutes earlier but the extra man failed to help the Welsh as their opponents came out firing at the start of the second half. Botes again landed an early kick at goal before going over for his try just at the end of Vosawai’s 10-minute absence.

He missed the conversion but, after a raft of substitutions from both teams, the hosts levelled thanks to centre Galon’s try, Botes’ goal putting them two points in front at 24-22.

He extended that margin with a penalty but two successful shots from Priestland put the Scarlets a point ahead at 28-27 with 10 minutes remaining.

There was to be one final twist in the tale though as, with four minutes remaining, wing Benvenuti crossed and Botes kicked the extras to earn a 34-28 win. Elsewhere, Cardiff Blues beat Edinburgh 34-23 in part thanks to an impressive debut from Scotland fly-half Dan Parks, who saw off his countrymen with a 100 per cent kicking performance, contributing two penalties and four conversions.