NEXT HOME MATCH: Scarlets v Toyota Cheetahs - 24.FEB.2019

After two weeks off the boys headed to Treviso to as they were welcomed by Benetton, for their next Guinness PRO14 clash at Stadio Monigo on Saturday 16th of February.

First half saw the Scarlets first two tries of the match by Kieran Hardy and Johnny McNicholl, but also a controversial try given to the home team. Benetton secured their victory during the second half after a quick try within the first few minutes by Luca Sperandio. Despite another McNicholl try, the home team caught the edge with two successful penalty kicks after minor discipline issues.

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Starting minutes of the game gave the visitors a lot of possession, a forward pass lead to a red scrum at centre field intensified the game as we gain territory. Turnover ball from Benetton puts pressure on us, but the ref blows his whistle for a Scarlets advantage and Dan Jones kicks to the corner. Our possession and we’re closing the gap, getting closer to the home 22’ nearing up to the 20 minute mark.  A quick pass to Ioan Nicholas and it’s a breakthrough the green defence and to finish the line is Kieran Hardy over the whitewash and a brilliant conversion by Dan Jones.

0-7

Scarlets advantage after a restart and line-out and Werner Kruger kicks the ball down to gain territory, but Benetton beat him to the ball and kick down the field out of danger.

Red off-side in our 22’ has given the home team a 5 meter line scrum, and it’s a drive from the backs and they cross the line. Over to TMO to confirm grounding. Score table is equal after try is awarded and conversion kicked.

7-7

Closing up to the half time whistle, but Johnny McNicholl manages to squeeze a quick try in after a driving scrum from a red line out a pass from Werner Kruger to Dan Jones and a run from Steff Evans, putting the visitors in the lead into half time.

Half Time: Benetton 7 Scarlets 12

International Rhys Patchell comes on after half time as well as scrum-half Jon Evans. We’re immediately under pressure from the home team as we’re down in our 22’ and Luca Sperandio finishes the job and crosses the line and equals the scoreboard once again.

12-12

Asquith breaks through the green defence for a run but was stopped in his tracks and Jon Evans unfortunately drops the ball for a knock-on and it’s a home team scrum near the 5 meter line. Jon Evans is replaced by Kieran Hardy due to injury. The home team secure another 3 points on the board after a penalty kick was given.

15-12

Getting closer to the last quarter of the game and Johnny McNicholl crosses the whitewash again right under the posts after a great run from Fonotia and a successful conversion by Patchell.

15-19

Minutes later and the home team go for a try but it’s no try as Ioan Nicholas gives his best efforts to push out to touch, but a previous knock-on aborted the try also. Benetton have a taste for success and a subtle drop kick from McKinley see the green men cross the try line.

22-19

A knock on the head for captain Josh Macleod in the next phase of play saw Uzair Cassiem return to the field as replacement.

Minutes later Will Boyde has a clash with another player and was given medical attention on field but walked off the field to receive extra attention, Marc Jones returned to the field.

10 minutes to go and Benetton make another break, but full-back McNicholl managed to push the player out to touch. It’s another penalty kick for the home team due to discipline issues. Macleod returns to the field to witness Benetton take storm of possession until the 80 minute mark to secure their win.

Final Score: Benetton 25 Scarlets 19