Scarlets’ Starlets Cause Carnegie Over Leeds!

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

 

It was an unusual day at Parc y Scarlets – PA Munro Walters welcomed the crowd with a ‘Good Morning’ and the Scarlets ran out at home in their ‘Tinplate’ Blue away shirts! Even the team sheet had an unfamiliar feel to it, but there was plenty for the home crowd to cheer about as the Scarlets scored seven converted tries to secure a bonus point win in their first round match in the LV= Cup.

 

We may not have a multi-million pound squad of bench warmers, but the young stars that have been brought through the ranks of the region proved Head of Rugby Nigel Davies’ words last week – the real stars are the ones shining through on the pitch whilst the big names are away on International duty.

 

In a day of firsts, popular hooker Ken Owens captained the Scarlets for the first time, Tongan Jonny F made his first start and it was Leeds Carnegie’s first visit to Parc y Scarlets.

 

Despite penalty opportunities it was Leeds who opened the scoring with a penalty before Jonny F crossed for the first of his tries, carrying the ball in a typical Tongan fashion!

However, it wasn’t long before the Yorkshiremen scored a try of their own, ensuring the ball touched the corner flag to give them a 13 point to 7 lead.

 

Dan Newton cut the deficit before Jonny F again crossed the try line for his second try, following some superb running from Welsh squad member George North, who was making a welcome return to the field after being sidelined with a stress fracture injury.

The Scarlets soon increased their lead to 24 points to 13 with a spectacular try from centre Scott Williams, who ran from the half way line to score under the posts.

 

With the sun shining down on a crowd of just over 5,000 the home team played good, creative rugby, showing a flair that has been associated with the Llanelli and Scarlets name for over a century.

 

Fly half Dan Newton scored a try of his own just before half time, which he duly converted giving the Scarlets a lead of 31 points to 13.

 

The start of the second half was very much a forward affair, with the ball being kept tight, and despite going through several phases, hardly any ground was made until man-of-the-match Jonny F crossed under the posts for his hat-trick.

 

Aaron Shingler scored a super sixth try for the Scarlets, who finished the second half in the same manner as the first. His try was converted by his brother Steven, who had come on as a replacement.

   

Leeds continued to pi le the pressure on the home team, but their defence stood firm and with over 80 minutes showing on the stadium clock, Scott  

Williams secured a half century of points  with his second try of the afternoon, giving a final score of 52-13 and proving once again this season that West is Best!

Next Sunday, the Scarlets travel to the Madejski Stadium to play London Irish in the second round of the LV= Cup, with hopes high that they can emulate their winning performance there last season.