Scarlets’ spirit and passion on and off field sparks thrilling win

A buoyant Parc y Scarlets crowd was given top draw entertainment at the opening European game of the season – with a nine try thriller which saw the Scarlets win 43-34 against one of the big in-form French clubs.

The Scarlets gave their loyal supporters a Heineken Cup victory to savour as a quality-packed Perpignan team could not find an answer for some classic Scarlets rugby that got the near 9,000 crowd singing and chanting in their seats across Parc y Scarlets.

It was a stylish performance in the main from a Scarlets side playing with a strong team spirit and that has shown its commitment to improve week-on-week and play with pride and conviction.

And despite some stunning attacking displays from the Scarlets, including a leading contender for try of the season scored by Rhys Priestland, the team’s Head Coach had his feet and the team’s firmly fixed on the ground after the victory and focused on the hard work ahead.

“We should have closed that game off in the end and we are frustrated we allowed Perpignan back into the game. I was pleased with the way we played in the main with the ball but we realise there is still a lot of work to do, to get us as comfortable without the ball as we are with it,” said Nigel Davies.

“This is a good position for us in many ways, going into our next European fixture, we can take a lot of positives our of our game but also be hard on ourselves as well for other aspects.

“We are a side that is building, we are moving in the right direction and we will look to improve step-by-step but we are by no means the finished article.

“There were some excellent tries and we are pleased with that. It’s a mindset that our players have to be comfortable, charged and confident to go onto the field and express themselves and we have got some quality, skilled players and they showed what they are capable of.

“You have to create that mentality within the squad, but then it’s about giving them the freedom to play.”

Davies played tribute to some fine individual performances across the team including man-of-the-match no 8 David Lyons who was hugely influential throughout the game. Centre Gareth Maule was also credited for a strong performance stepping up for the injured Jon Davies with a good attacking and defensive show against Perpignan.

“We can all be pleased with this first European result and a bonus point win but we know that we face a very big challenge next weekend in Leicester who are one of the favourites for the competition.

“It’s going to be a great contest, we have to go there with belief – it’s going to be a massive game and they are very comfortable at home. It’s really tough group, with Leicester, Treviso and Perpignan but that’s what you want in Europe – to challenge yourselves against the best teams.”

Davies and his players again paid tribute to a great home crowd at Parc y Scarlets (8911 attendance) at a game where the heart and soul of the supporters matched the commitment and spirit on the field.

He said: “We couldn’t ask for more from our home supporters than they’ve given us this season, it’s been great. It makes such a difference to the team to have a busy and vocal home stadium and seeing our supporters enjoying themselves – there’s no doubt it lifts the team and we are grateful to everyone that is playing their part in making a positive start to our season.”

Be part of the next Scarlets home game and support your team. Enjoy a great night out at Parc y Scarlets and make sure you have your ticket for Scarlets V Glasgow, Magners League, Friday 29^th October; kick-off 8.05pm.