Bristol (14) 35

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

Benetton (17) 29

Tries: Smith, Zuliani, Gallagher, Bernasconi, Menoncello Cons: Albornoz 2

Bristol Bears held off a late fightback from Benetton to secure a bonus-point win in the Investec Champions Cup – which keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for the last 16.

The Italian side thought they had snatched the game with two minutes left, only for Rhyno Smith’s try to be pulled back after centre Tommaso Menoncello impeded Kalaveti Ravouvou in the build-up.

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.

But three second-half tries from prop Max Lahiff, Harry Thacker and a second from Marmion helped provide breathing space for the hosts.

Replacement hooker Bautista Bernasconi and Menoncello scored tries to give the visitors two points.

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

United Rugby Championship side Benetton face the difficult task of hosting two-time winners La Rochelle in their last pool game, knowing a win would likely qualify them for the knockouts for the first time.

Despite being sat second in the Premiership, Bristol’s form has been inconsistent this season – with heavy defeats and big victories the theme of their campaign.

The Bears were convincingly beaten in their opening two Champions Cup games against Leinster and La Rochelle, which is as difficult as fixtures come in Europe.

But Williams’ sharp line off Marmion to score an early opening try showed Bristol were not ready to give up on their Champions Cup qualification hopes.

Benetton, who lost to Clermont and defeated Bath in their opening two games, have been one of Europe’s most improved sides in recent years and are eyeing up qualification.

Fly-half Tomas Albornoz delivered a quality flat pass to send Smith over to cut Bristol’s lead, with Zuliani then powering over to cancel out Marmion’s try from a kick through.

The Italian side are on a three-game winning run and dominated large portions of the first half, finally unlocking the Bristol defence after Onisi Ratave’s run helped set up Gallagher.

Lahiff appeared to potentially lose control of the ball but referee Luc Ramos opted against checking the grounding of the ball.

There was no debate over Thacker’s try after Fitz Harding broke through found the hooker with a one-handed offload, with Thacker then turning provider for Marmion’s second.

However, two unanswered Benetton tries – the second a solo try after a searing break from Menoncello – meant one score would have sent the visitors through.

Smith’s disallowed try was close to the posts and would have created history if the conversion was made, which would have left Bristol with an even tougher task to qualify.

Bristol: Elizalde; Bates, Ravouvou, Williams, Heward; Byrne, Marmion; Thomas, Thacker, Lahiff, Owen, Batley, Grondona, Harding (capt), Mata.

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.

Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)