Super Scarlets Race to Victory against Metro

by Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

Despite such a strong start to this season’s European campaign, the Scarlets game out in Paris was very much one that could possibly result in progress into the final stages of the Amlin Cup, but more likely, an important game for both sides to eventually get their season back on track.

With 5 buses (including the Official Wales team coach) leaving Parc y Scarlets in the early hours, the support for the visitors was extremely vocal as they ran out in conditions much improved to the those that have been experienced back home during the last week.

Following a strong start, the Scarlets were offered a very early chance to get points on the board, though not quite as quick as the Racing try scored at Parc y Scarlets! Unfortunately, Rhys Priestland was just wide with his efforts.

However, he was given a second chance as the home team were penalised twice before the clock had reached 5 minutes. A superb charge down from Hooker Emyr Phillips on Jonathan Sexton’s clearing kick offered an easier kick for Priestland’s second attempt, and this time he made no mistake, giving the visitors a 0 points to 3 lead.

Looking dangerous in attack, Racing Metro obviously took full advantage of their all-Lions half back partnership of Sexton and ex-Scarlets Scrum Half Mike Phillips who totally controlled the first half.

Opting for the attacking line-out rather than kicking their first penalty proved beneficial for the home team as the power of the forwards soon saw them inches from the Scarlets’ try line, with Mike Phillips finally popping up for the try. The scoring of the try was celebrated with an all-forward handbag exchange! Sexton added the conversion to give his team a 7 points to 3 lead.

The added confidence in the Metro team was obvious as they again powered their way towards the Scarlets try line. Fortunately Scottish International John Barclay was able to manoeuvre himself into a try saving tackle as the grounding of the ball was impossible to see. This was confirmed by the TMO.

It was only a temporary reprieve however, as the ensuing Scrum V was a huge test for the forwards. Despite the huge improvement in the scum this season, the Scarlets were unable

to sustain the pressure from the French and the penalty was hardly a surprise. A second penalty at the scrum saw thoughts turn to a possible penalty try, however the Scarlets forwards had other ideas and an immense effort from each of the eight members of the scrum resulted in the visitors winning the third against the head.

The high tackle on Scrum Half Gareth Davies and subsequent penalty relieved the pressure further as play continued on half way with the Scarlets in possession.

A good phase of attacking play from the visitors saw Wing Climo kick ahead but unfortunately he was unable to gather his own kick. The men in red did maintain possession and despite quick hands, they seemed unable to find the correct running angles to progress much further towards to Racing try line. This lack of momentum saw errors begin to creep into the game and the French, mainly through their Half Backs, controlled the game once more.

Following another penalty, Sexton again kicked for territory rather than the points. This offered his team another good attacking position, but again the Scarlets forwards ensured that the defensive wall held firm, much to the frustration of the home team as tempers flared once more.

Another period of pressure and possession from the Scarlets resulted in a case of missed opportunities as Climo was bundled into touch as he headed for the try line, however, for the main part, Racing Metro continued to demonstrate their domination of the half, despite the Scarlets remaining in contention.

Finally, after sustaining such pressure from the home team and building up some promising attacking positions of their own, the Scarlets were offered the chance to increase their score just at the end of the half.

Rhys Priestland turning his back on his kick told everyone that he had been successful and with a minute remaining of the half, just a point separated the two teams – 7 points to 6.

However, that wasn’t the end of the scoring of the first half unfortunately as the Scarlets seemed to over-complicate things which resulted in Sexton’s successful penalty increasing his side’s lead to 10 points to 6.

A strong start from the home team in the second half again asked questions of the Scarlets’ defence and the recent try drought for the men in red continued at Climo was unable to secure the ball to score possibly the easiest gift of a try as all he had to do was gather and fall over the line. Yet again, missed chances were the outcome rather than a ball being grounded over the try line as ‘Calon Lan’ echoed through the stadium.

The Scarlets didn’t leave this particular visit into the opposition 22 pointless on this occasion as another penalty, this time a penalty, well kicked by Priestland narrowed the gap to just a single point – 10 points to 9.

The fighting spirit and ambition from the Scarlets was always evident as they continued running out of their own 22. An interception from Aled Thomas saw Rhys Priestland given enough space to both gain ground and weigh up his options. Cruelly, his well-timed and well measured kick for Barclay bounced in the oddest of fashions, and despite no try being scored; play was in the right area of the pitch for the visitors.

An awful quick throw-in, taken quickly almost ended in disaster for the Scarlets, however an enforced error offered the Scarlets forwards the chance to demonstrate their steel in the scrum. An immense effort from them resulted in Priestland lining up another penalty kick.

He made no mistake in securing his fourth successful kick from five attempts to give his team the lead once more – 10 points to 12 and as much as the French teams don’t like chasing a game, given recent weeks, the bigger test would be if the Scarlets were able to hold on for victory.

The lead soon changed hands with Hernandez taking over the kicking duties from Sexton who had previously taken a knock. The Puma regained the lead with his successful penalty – 13 points to 12.

The Scarlets hit back in the best way possible, following a great re-start from Priestland. An amazing break from Kristian Phillips saw him power his way over under the posts. The celebrations from the team showed just how important this try was and how much a victory would mean to each of them. However, the hearts of every Scarlet supporter was in their mouths as the referee questioned the TMO with regards to whether Samson Lee held back a tackler. He did, however it was obvious that this would have made no difference to the scoring of the try and fortunately common sense prevailed and the try was awarded.

Rhys Priestland added the conversion to give the Scarlets a 19 points to 13 lead and leave the French both rattled and frustrated.

With errors creeping into the Racing team, the Scarlets were able to keep possession until Sext
on again took control by kicking for the corner to offer his forwards to opportunity to power forward. A cross kick almost caught the Scarlets napping again this week, however, the fingertip of Climo was sufficient for the TMO to declare no try and Sexton again kicked for the line-out.

The discipline of the visitors was paramount as the Racing Team edged closer to the try line, but with the Scarlets closing out their opposition, they were able to relieve the pressure as they secured the penalty.

As the clocked ticked away, the Scarlets were in familiar territory, but it was the hope that on this occasion, the game would not be lost in the dying seconds as previous weeks.

With play being in the Racing half and ‘Bread of Heaven’ and ‘Sosban Fach’ once again filling the Parisian suburbs, the TMO intervened for possible foul play, but once again common sense prevailed.

A joint effort from the Scarlets forwards and the travelling supporters, who were in fine voice, saw the scrum and pressure relieved for the visitors as the match reached its final seconds. For once, the Scarlets held their nerve, kept the ball tight and kept the possession before the game finally ended with the Scarlets victorious 19 points to 13.

It was an important win for the Scarlets, not only keeping their European dream alive, but also proving that money can buy you a team of good individual players, but can’t buy you a good team. A team who play for each other and that was most certainly evident tonight.

Next Saturday the Scarlets playHarlequins in Parc y Scarlets in a game that, together with results from other games, will determine if the Region progress any further in European competitions this season or not.