Budd try clinches Christmas double for Benetton
Zebre 20
Benetton 26
DEANBudd’s score 11 minutes from time helped Benetton back up last weekend’s victory over Zebre with success at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Benetton had triumphed 27-14 on home turf last week, and the first half in the reverse fixture was a tense affair, with two penalties from Zebre’s Carlo Canna being cancelled out by two from Marty Banks.
The second half exploded into life with Benetton fullback Jayden Hayward displaying his class to cross, only for Mattia Bellini to immediately respond with a try of his own.
A Marcello Violi penalty put the hosts ahead, but Zebre had no answer just minutes later when Budd got the crucial score to seal the double.
Zebre led after just three minutes with a 40-metre penalty from Canna, but Banks levelled things and the pair traded further penalties for a half-time score of 6-6.
Jayden Hayward then put Benetton ahead when he crossed for the opening try.
Banks added the extras but their lead wasn’t to last long as Canna fed winger Mattia Bellini for a run-in.
The hosts were determined to control the game and phase after phase of pressure around the hour mark resulted in a high tackle on Canna, and three more points from the boot of Violi.
Benetton responded to the penalty immediately, powering their way downfield through a succession of drives before lock Budd dived over.
