Glasgow Warriors 31-10 Benetton

Johnny Matthews, Max Williamson, Seb Stephen and Sam Talakai joined the former Scotland U20 winger on the scoresheet, in a result that maintains pole position in the table for Franco Smith’s side.

Having enjoyed the lion’s share of territory and possession in the opening exchanges, it was Benetton who opened the scoring with 15 minutes on the clock. Despite Glasgow’s defence fronting up well for in excess of 20 phases, Paolo Odogwu eventually was too quick for the covering defence, picking through the middle of a ruck to dart over from 20 metres. Rhyno Smith converted from straight in front of the posts, and the visitors led 7-0.

Glasgow were growing into the match as the opening quarter drew to a close, however, with Adam Hastings and Sione Tuipulotu almost combining to sublime effect for the home side’s opening score. Whilst they were unable to capitalise on Odgowu’s trip to the sin bin following a high tackle on Matthews, the opening score of the night for the Warriors wasn’t far away. It was Matthews himself who made the crucial yard, barging over from close-range for a try on his return to the starting XV to get his side on the board. Hastings added the extras, drawing the hosts level with five minutes to play in the half.

A penalty from Smith with the last kick of the opening stanza gave Benetton the half-time lead, but it was a lead that would last all of two minutes into the second half. Quick ball on the Benetton 22 allowed Hastings to sling the ball wide to the onrushing Watson, the winger showing all of his pace and power to touch down out wide for the score. Hastings converted superbly from the touchline, and the Warriors had a 14-10 lead.

Back came the visitors, as they looked to restore their advantage just moments after the restart. Smith thought he had crossed for a try on 45 minutes, only for the Television Match Official to call play back for an earlier knock on and rule out the try, much to the delight of the Warrior Nation.

Glasgow were now motoring in attack, though, with Hastings and Josh McKay utilising the wind to turn the Benetton defence. The Warrior Nation could sense a third try, and as the game ticked past the hour mark it arrived, with the club’s young stars to the fore. Watson was once again at the heart of the action, beating two defenders from Hastings’ inside pass and driving his legs to get within five metres. Jack Oliver’s pass then cut out three defenders to almost send Ben Afshar over the line, but there was no denying Williamson on the follow-up carry as the second-rower crashed over. The conversion from Hastings was off target for the first time on the night, but the hosts now had a nine-point advantage.

The East Stand – and the rest of Scotstoun – were now in full voice in search of a bonus-point, and the Warriors duly obliged with 14 minutes to play. Afshar’s inch-perfect 50-22 gave his side a lineout five metres out, from which Benetton were powerless to stop Stephen from muscling his way over. Dan Lancaster couldn’t add the extra two points from the touchline, leaving the scoreline reading 24-10 in favour of the Warriors.

More was to come as the match entered the final 10 minutes, with the Warriors keen to finish with a flourish. Oliver thought he had crossed for his first try in Glasgow colours with a classic scrum-half snipe under the posts whilst playing with penalty advantage, only for the officials to rule out the score for a double movement.

It was a momentary reprieve for the visitors, however. Once more the maul proved too much for the Italian outfit to deal with, and this time it would be Talakai who found himself bundling over the whitewash for his first try as a Warrior. Lancaster this time made no mistake from the tee, the final scoreline reading 31-10 to the men in black.

The Scotstoun faithful rose to applaud their side with the final whistle ringing around the ground, the Scottish-Italian Shield lifted by debutant Watson with his squad-mates surrounding him. A five-point triumph to maintain their place atop the BKT URC standings – attentions now turn to Investec Champions Cup action, with the Vodacom Bulls the visitors next Saturday evening for a Round of 16 clash not to be missed.