Fraser Watson
BBC Sport Wales reporter

As Liam Belcher said, it wasn't pretty. And nor did it have to be.

Cardiff started off with intent and intensity but once the rough weather came in, both sides were forced to adapt and the Blue and Blacks showed both guts and composure to see that one out.

It's been a divisive and emotional week for Welsh rugby. But whatever your opinion on the number of professional sides we need, or the questionable actions of the WRU throughout the process, be rest assured that our teams and players care.

This weekend we've seen Dragons run Munster close in Cork, Ospreys play out a thriller with Lions, Scarlets dramatically down Ulster and Cardiff dog it out to beat Benetton.

The off-field saga will run for some time yet. But on the pitch at least, four Welsh sides have given fans reason to be proud this weekend amid much distraction. Hat tip to them.

Good night from the Arms Park. Oh...and stay warm.

Elsewhere in the URC tonight, Glasgow have moved to the top of the table with a hard-fought 26-21 win over bottom side Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma.

Speaking to Premier Sports, Cardiff captain Liam Belcher said:

"It wasn't pretty.

"The weather came in but we'll take that and the momentum to go to Ulster now.

"The fans have had a voice this week and we're pleased we could perform like that for them tonight."

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

Cardiff managed the big moments at the right time. Credit to Benetton they worked their way back into the game, but that was a great win for Cardiff.

He's been vocal in the media this week, but he really did his talking on the pitch tonight.

A deserved try rounded off a mammoth display for the second row.

Many wince at this weather, he simply revelled in it.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

That's an unbelievable win for Cardiff. A lot of areas to work on going into the break now, but a lot of the boys will be going into Wales camp with a lot of enthusiasm.

That is that. Ioan Lloyd not only sealed the win, but that kick denied Benetton a losing bonus point.

Make no mistake, that was in the balance late on and the Italian side will be ruing that disallowed try from Ignacio Mendy.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

Benetton are furious with the referee, it does look like it was Cardiff not releasing.

Straight through the middle!

The Cardiff forwards play keep-ball in the Benetton 22 before being given a penalty out side.

Ioan Lloyd is going for goal and regardless, this should end proceedings.

Don't hit the post please Ioan...

Josh Adams, that is sublime.

The Cardiff wing speeds forward to gather an Aled Davies box-kick and crucially, Cardiff have possession in Benetton territory...

Ignacio Mendy again breaks clear before the Argentine winger is dragged down in the 22.

Frantic pressure follows before Dan Thomas jackals superbly to win Cardiff a penalty!

Keep calm everyone, we'll get through these next four minutes together. Maybe...

The Arms Park breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Ignacio Mendy goes under the posts after great work from replacement Filippo Drago.

However, TMO Colin Brett is summoned before ruling that the initial pass to Drago from Alessandro Garbisi was forward.

If Cardiff win this, Mr. Brett won't be short of offers to be bought a beer on St Mary's Street tonight.

A defensive scrum for Benetton but they earn a penalty.

No avoiding it, since Cardiff changed the props the Italian side are dominating that department.

Suddenly, things are going their way.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

Great work from Benetton from the lineout. Now the rain has gone we're going to be seeing tries.

Welcome to the URC Nicolas Roger Farias.

The debutant is hammered back in the tackle by Ioan Lloyd as Benetton look to attack.

The problem then is the Cardiff forwards sense a turnover and go off their feet. That's a penalty and Rhyno Smith boots his side to the corner.

Come on then you lot, speak up.

With an 11-point lead, is this game done and dusted in favour of Cardiff?

Thumbs up you believe it is. Thumbs down if you fancy a Benetton fightback.

Alex Cuthbert
Former Wales winger on BBC Radio Wales

That's a nice buffer for Cardiff now. As long as they don't try to overplay they'll be ok.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

A change of kicker here as Ioan Lloyd - not Callum Sheedy - takes responsibility.

He makes no mistake and that extends the lead.