Scarlets resist spirited fight from 14-men Benetton Treviso

Scarlets 33-28 Benetton Treviso, Parc y Scarlets
Scorecard

Scarlets registered their maiden win in the ongoing European Rugby Champions Cup as they overcame a spirited fightback from a 14-men Benetton Treviso at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday.

Gareth Davies got Scarlets off to a flying start with back to back tries in the second and the fifth minute while conversions from Leigh Halfpenny made it 14-0.

Benetton Treviso's response came from number eight Robert Barbieri, who crossed over but they suffered a major setback when Francesco Minto upended David Bulbring with the Scarlets lock landing on the back of his neck.

Scarlets capitalised on the advantage when Tadhg Beirne crossed over but his efforts were negated when Jayden Hayward replied back with a try of his own and at half-time Scarlets had a lead of seven points.

The visitors were unwilling to relent and they put behind their disadvantage of having one man less as Alberto Sgarbi strolled past the post and their comeback was aided by a sin-bin to Scarlets' James Davies that saw Benetton's fourth try coming from Federico Ruzza.

Treviso had a lead of seven minutes heading into the final 10 minutes but Steff Evans and Paul Asquith had other plans as their tries in the closing stage sealed a five point win for Scarlets, who now move to the third position in Pool 5.