BENETTON made home advantage pay in Treviso, Italy, last night and responded better to conditions made especially difficult by heavy rain when they defeated an under-strength Leinster side by 36 points to 24.

Behind 16-8 at the interval, Leinster could never get on terms in a rather scrappy encounter. It was a particularly productive night for Benetton's Western Samoan outside half Kellett who scored 17 points with five penalties and a conversion. He got ample opportunity from a referee whose law application at times frustrated the Leinster side.

The highlight of the game from the Leinster side was an outstanding try scored in the second half by international scrum half Niall Hogan, captain of the Leinster side. It was enough to get his side on terms.

Kellett gave Benetton an early lead with the first of his penalty goals and then converted a try after the home forwards forced their way over the Leinster line. Two further penalties by Kellett accounted for Benetton's first-half total. Leinster's scores in the initial period came from Paddy Gavin, who scored a try, and a penalty from full back Girvan Dempsey.

Kellett continued to find the range in the second half with penalty chances and added two more to stretch Benetton's lead. While Kurt McQuilkin kicked a penalty for Leinster and converted Hogan's try, Leinster were always striving to get on terms. The Italians scored two second-half tries, both by Perziano and both converted by Dotto.

Richard Governey, who replaced McQuilkin in the 70th minute, kicked two penalties for Leinster in the closing stages.

Leinster will play the second match of their tour on Saturday against the Italian Zebras in Genoa.