Benetton clinch victory over Connacht in final play of tough contest

CONNACHT WERE HIT with a sucker-punch in the final play of a tough contest at Stadio Monigo as Benetton struck for a last-gasp winner in this crunch URC tie.

Hopes that Connacht might lay down an early marker after the dismal showing against the Lions did not materialise as they were twice pinged on their own scrum inside their 22 and Benetton made them pay, going wide through the half-backs for Argentine winger Ignacio Mendy to touch down one-handed in the right corner.

Advertisement They deservedly got back in contention eight minutes from the break when replacement winger Shayne Bolton mopped up a Benetton attack to counter and after going wide, Prendergast chased his own grubber down the right and won a penalty. Carty was off target with a penalty just to the left on the 22 after 45 minutes, while at the other end Prendergast executed a brilliant turnover under his posts after Benetton worked the phases infield from a lineout five minutes later.

Connacht were disciplined as Benetton, who went into the game level on points with them, piled on the pressure and Pete Wilkins’ men looked set for an invaluable win when Umaga’s drop goal from distance went narrowly wide.

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