Benetton Rugby claimed a memorable European scalp after defeating Bath Rugby 22-21 in a dramatic Champions Cup clash at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.
The Italians led for most of the match before showing tremendous resilience to seal victory with a late penalty, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive.
Bath were reduced to 14 men after Louis Schreuder copped a yellow card and Benetton wasted no time capitalizing, scoring on the eight-minute mark through Rhyno Smith, who cut open the Bath defence with a sharp line break.
They heaped more misery on the visitors when Louis Lynagh crossed the whitewash to make it 10-0 after 15 minutes.
Bath replied through Niall Annett, who powered over from close range, but their ill-discipline continued to cost them. Benetton struck again before the break when Smith bagged his second after slick build-up play from Tomas Albornoz. The fly-half’s conversion sent Benetton into halftime with a 17-7 lead.
Fixture
Investec Champions Cup
Benetton
Bath
Bath came out firing in the second half, dominating possession and territory. Scotland back-row Josh Bayliss scored in the 52nd minute to cut Benetton’s lead to 17-14 after a well-executed offload from Miles Reid.
Bath pressure continued to mount and the damn broke again just five minutes later. A 57th-minute Thomas du Toit carry busted open the home side’s defence to put Bath in the lead for the first time in the match. Orlando Bailey’s conversion made it 17-21 and it seemed the visitors were on the verge of a stunning comeback.
Unfortunately for Johann van Graan’s side, Benetton hadn’t read that script.
Despite being under near-constant pressure from the Gallagher Premiership finalists, the Italians’ defence held firm and they would take advantage of the English side’s indiscipline. The visitors were reduced to 14 men with Max Ojomoh receiving a yellow card in the 67th minute.
With time winding down Benetton were awarded a crucial penalty in Bath’s half. Super-sub Jacob Umaga stepped up and delivered – the former England flyhalf nailing the kick to put his side back in front at 22-21.
Bath launched one final attack but Benetton’s defence held firm to secure a famous victory.
