Bristol hold off Benetton to retain last-16 hopes

Investec Champions Cup

Bristol (14) 35

Tries: Williams, Marmion 2, Lahiff, Thacker Cons: Byrne 5

Benetton (17) 29

Bristol Bears fought back in the end to earn a bonus-point win in the Investec Champions Cup, which will help them maintain their hopes of making it to the last 16.

With class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> two class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> minutes class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> left, class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> the class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Italian class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> side class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> initially class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> believed class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> they class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> had class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> won class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> the class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> game, class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> but class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Tommaso class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Menoncello’s class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> center class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> obstructing class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Kalaveti class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> Ravouvou class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> forced class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> him class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> to class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″> retreat.

The Bears scored the opening try through James Williams, but Smith quickly responded for Benetton.

That pattern continued in the opening period as Kieran Marmion’s score was cancelled out by Manuel Zuliani, before Matt Gallagher’s try gave the visitors a deserved half-time lead.

However, the hosts gained breathing room thanks to three second-half attempts from Max Lahiff, Harry Thacker, and Marmion.

The visitors scored two tries thanks to substitute hookers Bautista Bernasconi and Menoncello.

Victory is likely needed in Bristol’s final match away to Clermont on Saturday (15: 15 GMT) to give them a chance of qualification.

Knowing that a victory would likely put them in the knockout stages, United Rugby Championship side Benetton will have to take on La Rochelle, who has previously defeated them in their final pool match.

Replacements: Oghre, Genge, Kloska, Barker, Luatua, Randall, Van Rensburg, Lane.

Benetton: Smith, Gallagher, Menoncello, Brex, Ratave, Albornoz, Uren, Gallo, Maile, Zilocchi, N Cannone, Ruzza, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.

Replacements: Bernasconi, Ferrari, Avaca, Snyman, Favretto, Izekor, Garbisi, Marin.