Bonus point victory for Scarlets despite Connacht Fight back

Scarlets showed their intentions early on as captain Jonathan Davies crosses the whitewash for an opening try. A quick tap and go from inside their own half from Gareth Davies, gets the ball out to Jon Davies, he breaks through the defensive line, passes out to Jordan Williams who in turn gets the ball back to Davies who crosses for a spectacular try in the opening minute!

A great start for Scarlets with Rhys Priestland adding the conversion to take the Scarlets 7-0 ahead after only a few minutes.

Connacht hit back with a penalty just minutes later but it’s not long before the home side are making waves again, back on the attack in Connacht’s half.

A long mis-pass by centre Davies finds Williams on the wing, he chips the ball ahead and makes a thrilling dash in pursuit. He re-gathers the ball but it’s lost forward. Scarlets are playing with pace and passion in the early stages of the game.

Connacht are penalised and the Scarlets run the ball back into opposition territory. With the Scarlets back in their half fullback Liam Williams makes a dart through the oppositions defense but referee Patterson calls them back for crossing. Parks takes the penalty attempt and adds an important three points for Connacht.

Scarlets hit back soon after as Connacht are penalised for holding on and it’s three points for Priestland and the Scarlets.

The homeside heads back into Connacht territory, a huge scrum comes Scarlets way and Priestland steps up for a second penalty. He pulls it left and it hits the upright. Score remains 10-6.

Connacht get the ball downfield, an unlucky bounce for winger Jordan Williams but he dances around Connacht defenders, kicks ahead and follows for the chase.

Scarlets win a penalty and Priestland adds the all-important three points. Scarlets 13 Connacht 6 and that’s how the score remains at half time.

Half time: Scarlets 13 Connacht 6

The home side get things moving quickly at the start of the second half and with Connacht penalised Priestland steps up for a penalty. For the second time today the ball hits the upright and score remains 13-6.

In what was a great passage of play the Scarlets work their way deep into Connacht territory and make it across the whitewash but the ball was held up, scrum five Scarlets ball.

Minutes later Josh Turnbull crosses for a third Scarlets try in what will undoubtedly be in contention for try of the season!

Connacht kick the ball ahead, Priestland and Liam Williams are in pursuit, Williams gathers the ball and opts to run with it rather than kick to touch. He gets the ball out to Preistland who finds Kristian Phillips. Phillips flies through Connacht defenders, finds Josh Turnbull on his shoulder and it’s a superb run from just inside the halfway line by Turnbull to cross the whitewash!

Whilst scrum half Davies is being treated for a leg injury play continues around him and Connacht cross the whitewash bringing the score to 25-11.

Connacht head back down field, putting Scarlets under pressure on their own line. A huge effort by Scarlets in the scrum gives them an opportunity to clear downfield.

Scarlets come back on the attack in Connacht’s half and look dangerous. Centre Phillips pushes through the defensive line. He gets the ball away just as he’s tackled but winger Jordan Williams can’t quite get his hands to it as it falls into touch.

As we enter the last ten minutes of the game Connacht are back in possession and back on the attack in Scarlets territory. Scarlets are now under pressure on their own line, Jordan Williams puts in a huge try saving tackle.

Just minutes later Connacht get their try after a neat chip kick which Fionn Carr gathers and touches down. Miah Nikora adds the conversion which brings Connacht within losing bonus point territory.

Connacht get back within two points as fullback Robbie Henshaw crosses the whitewash. Scarlets must now keep hold of their composure not to let the victory slip through their hands.

Scarlets respond in perfect fashion with an attacking drive and a try by replacement centre Gareth Maule who stretches across the whitewash near the posts. An all-important fourth try and bonus point for the Scarlets and the game looks as though it’s safe.

Connacht had different ideas however as they score a full time try to collect a second bonus point; one losing bonus point and one four try bonus!

In what was a frantic final few minutes at Parc y Scarlets the Scarlets secure a 32-30 victory and keep their top six quest alive.

Man of the Match: Liam Williams