URC Match Summary: Ulster 38, Benetton Rugby 34
In an electrifying game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats from beginning to end, Ulster triumphed over Benetton Rugby in a rare 38-34 victory. The riveting game was marked by the teams trading scores, with both managing to cross the line five times during the match. A timely and clinical defence by Ulster often hampered Benetton’s efforts to achieve more, in an encounter that frequently lacked solid strategy or co-ordination.
John Cooney once again proved his inestimable value paving the way for Ulster’s victory. His skills radiated throughout the game as he seamlessly kicked five conversions and a penalty; whilst also contributing significantly to tallying scores. His presence was much required in a tumultuous game like this.
The game had taken an unfortunate start for Ulster with Benetton Rugby gaining an initial advantage. Following a scrum penalty in the second minute, they circulated the ball through several stages and combined efforts of their backs and forwards to eventually outmaneuver Ulster. Tommaso Menoncello secured the first try of the game with a clever pass from Rhyno Smith, who spotted a gap on the edge. However, the conversion was missed by Jacob Umaga due to the tough angle of scoring.
Shortly after, an opportunity surfaced for Ulster when Jacob Stockdale managed to find an opening but couldn’t capitalise on the kick ahead. Not losing perseverance, Ulster pushed forward and finally broke through Benetton’s defence. Following a lineout, initiated by a turnover caused by Harry Sheridan, Benetton found themselves on the defensive. Seizing the opportunity, John Cooney skilfully broke through and passed the ball inside which led to a try by Tom Stewart. After Cooney successfully converted, Ulster claimed the lead at the 15-minute mark.
Cooney’s sharp tackling skill proved crucial at the 22nd minute preventing Marin from breaching Ulster’s defence. However, soon after, Ulster fell foul at a breakdown and was penalised. Umaga successfully converted this into a penalty at the 24th minute but fell short on a long-range attempt just two minutes prior to the 30-minute mark.
Triggered by this, Ulster sprang back into action with a try from Reuben Crothers at the 32-minute mark, who managed to secure the ball just short of the line. The game then continued with electrifying energy on both sides.
In an exciting rugby match, Cooney’s initial two points allowed the home team to take a 14-8 lead, reinvigorating the team to overcome their slow start. The ball was then passed to Stuart McCloskey who was on the wing, and his chip was taken by Stockdale who dodged the opposition and scored a try. With Cooney’s conversion, the half ended with Ulster at an advantageous 21-8 lead.
The new half started bumpy, with Menoncello seeming to pull away but Sam Grove-White had to call back the game. Soon after, Ulster was struck with a burst of wastefulness. Six minutes in, Addison passed haphazardly, and Andy Uren intercepted it, passing it on to Umaga for a score. Despite missing the conversion, it was a stark reminder to Ulster of their competition.
They doubled down responding strongly, Addison quickly compensating for his mistake with an excellent score at the corner, again converted by Cooney. This lead the home team to a bonus point score.
As the game continued, Benetton managed to score their third of the night with Toa Halafihi as a replacement finding enough space on the right and Tomas Albornoz successfully converting the score, resulting in a decrease in Ulster’s lead to 28-20. The Italians kept pushing with Ivan Nemer making a breakthrough after 62 minutes and Albornoz once again converting, lowering the lead of the home team to a single point.
Ulster bounced back with a fifth try by Cormac Izuchukwu allowing Cooney to follow through with the conversion. Cooney again successfully converted a kick, bringing some relief to Ulster. The lead was further extended by a penalty kick successfully executed by Cooney at 73 minutes.
The match fittingly ended with Albornoz successfully taking a tap penalty to score and convert in the final minutes. This allowed the Italian team two points, culminating in a thrilling match with Ulster as the victors.
During the game, substitutions were made at different intervals. J Andrew replaced Stewart at 74 minutes, A Warwick came in for O’Sullivan at 53 minutes, J French swapped for Wilson at 64 minutes, C Izuchukwu took over from O’Coonor at 64 minutes, G Jones substituted Ewers at 47 minutes, D Shanahan replaced Cooney at 76 minutes, L Marshall entered for Addison at 74 minutes, and E McIlroy filled in for Stockdale at 44 minutes. L Marshall was given a yellow card at 80 minutes.
The team for Benetton included J Umaga, L Marin, T Menoncello, M Zanon, R Smith, T Albornoz, A Uren, T Gallo, G Nicotera, S Ferrari, S Scrafton, E Iachizzi, A Izekor, M Lamaro (capt), L Cannone. Several replacements were implemented: G Lucchesi filled in for Nicotera at 47 minutes, I Nemer replaced Gallo at 51 minutes, T Pasquali took over from Ferrari at 51 minutes, N Cannone swapped for Scrafton at 41 minutes, R Favretto entered for Cannone at 64 minutes, T Halafihi substituted Lamaro at 47 minutes, A Garbisi took the place of Uren at 54 minutes, and F Drago came in for Zanon at 76 minutes. The referee for the match was S Grove-White from SRU.