Scarlets secured their first victory in eight years at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday afternoon after an all round 80-minute performance that saw the men in yellow hold on to a one-point lead in a game that went down to the wire.
Two first half tries by fullback Michael Collins and a penalty and conversion by outside half Aled Thomas saw the Scarlets go ahead 10-15 at the Kingspan, a notoriously difficult location for any travelling side.
Ulster came back into the game before the half time whistle with a converted try of their own putting them in the driving seat as the teams returned for the second forty.
It was the home side who dominated possession and territory in the second half but Scarlets didn’t shy away from the defensive work keeping Ulster away from the tryline. A lone Jackson penalty was the homeside’s only score in the second half compared to Thomas’ two.
Speaking after the game Head Coach Wayne Pivac said: “It was a tremendous team effort this afternoon. This game today, along with our performance against Leinster away, has been our best all season and we’re delighted that the result has gone our way today.
“We didn’t play well the last time we were out here in Ireland with a disappointing performance, and result, against Connacht. Not many teams come here and win so it’s really pleasing to have been able to do so today – the first time since 2008 I believe.
“We’ve been dealing with discipline internally and have kept all 15 players on the pitch for the second week in a row.
“Our penalty count was under 10 and we’re really proud of them working hard for each other.
“The weather has been challenging when you’re trying to play a more expansive game and spread a little more of the ball. What was pleasing today was that we were able to do more of that but also of what we were able to do in defense.
“we got ourselves in the game early which had been our goal all week and a big defensive effort in the second half kept us ahead and got the all-important victory and four points.”
Scarlets take on Edinburgh a week today, Sunday 28th February, at BT Murrayfield, kick-off 3pm.
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