SCARLETS RELIEVE SEVEN YEAR EDINBURGH ITCH!

SCARLETS RELIEVE SEVEN YEAR EDINBURGH ITCH!

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

 

 

 

This may have been just another Magners’ League match, but it could possibly be one of the most important victories of the season. Not only did the Scarlets succeed in securing their first win in Edinburgh in seven years, but it also means that they go into their preparations for the next two weeks of European rugby on the back of an important away win.

The team selection for this match was a good demonstration of the Scarlets’ vision for this season, with them concentrating on all competitions rather than just looking forward to the big game next weekend when it is hoped the Tigers will finally be tamed. It is not through luck that we are currently 2^nd in the Magners League and topping both the Heineken Cup and LV= Cup Pools, but through the determination, effort and heart shown by those who are finally proud to be pulling on that sacred Scarlet jersey.

Facing freezing temperatures once again, and with heavy snowfall disrupting the capital of Scotland, the Scarlets squad had an air of determination about them, attempting to move the ball through the phases and keeping the ball in freezing hands right from the kick off, something that is most unusual in the modern game.

It was almost 3 minutes before the ball went dead for the first time, and that was due to an Edinburgh error, offering the Scarlets the first line-out of the game and the opportunity to once again keep the ball in hand. Unfortunately, despite keeping possession, they were unable to cross the gain line and lacked direction.

Richie Pugh, making his first start for the Welsh region was given an early opportunity to demonstrate his pace in a race to the line with Edinburgh’s Scottish International Chris Paterson, however the Scot just got fingertips to the ball and play was brought back due to an earlier knock on.

It was the visitors who secured the first points of the match, with Rhys Priestland successfully kicking a penalty, bringing the score line to 3 points to 0.

The Scottish team fought back immediately, securing a good attacking line-out, but ex-Scarlet Scott MacLeod knocked the ball on to offer the men in red the chance to clear the line through Priestland.

The Scarlets were unlucky not to score the opening try of the game following some good, passing rugby, including a beautiful pass from Priestland, but unfortunately, Morgan Stoddart was unable to get his pass away before being tackled over the touch line.

The visitors were able to double their score just before the 20 minute mark, as the home team were penalised for being in front of the kicker, with Priestland making no mistake of slotting the ball through the posts to increase the Scarlets’ score to 6 points to 0.

Edinburgh demonstrated some good passing rugby of their own, breaking easily through the Scarlets defensive line before an interception from Scarlets’ Number 8, Australian, Dai Llewod!!!

Edinburgh did ensure they didn’t come away from that attacking position without anything to show for their efforts though as Paterson successfully kicked the awarded penalty to bring the score to 6 points to 3.

Following Morgan Stoddart’s quick throw in, Scarlet’s Scottish International Sean Lamont broke through the home team’s defence to offer the Scarlets another good attacking position, where once again the ball was kept in hand until Regan King demonstrated his majestic skills, despite a slightly wayward pass. However, Stoddart knocked the ball on just short of the line and the Full Back saw a definite try scoring chance go begging.

Gareth Maule, playing on the Wing, rather than the familiar Centre, continued the Scarlets’ attack, being tackled into touch deep in the Edinburgh half and offered Edinburgh’s David Blair the opportunity to break through the Scarlets’ defence, exposing some weaknesses, but he was fortunately tackled by Lamont.

The Scarlets continued their attack, moving forward until the ball was hacked downfield, forcing heroic actions from Rhys Priestland, aided by Morgan Stoddart, who was able to secure possession for the visitors, despite being tackled by three Edinburgh players. Unfortunately referee Peter Fitzgibbon deemed Tavis Knoyle’s pass to be forward and the Scottish were offered a good attacking scrum just before half time.

The home team managed to equalise the scores just before the end of the 40 minutes, with Paterson’s penalty kick, 6 points all, despite the Scarlets once again playing most of the rugby and securing the majority of the possession. However, it does seem to be characteristic of this season that the Scarlets are scoring the points and tries, but also yielding them.

Yet again this week it seems that Nigel Davies has cracked the art of half time team talks as the Scarlets again couldn’t have asked for a better start to the half, with Morgan Stoddart making up for his earlier fumble on the line to score a superb try. Priestland’s error at the restart offered the home team a scrum on half way, which saw possession secured by the visitors and Jonathan Davies demonstrated his pace to put Stoddart over the try line to the delight of the travelling supporters who ensured the cries of ‘Scarlets, Scarlets’ rang around the empty stands of Murrayfield. This gave the Scarlets a lead of 11 points to 6. Unfortunately Priestland was unable to add the extra 2 points.

The Scottish team attempted an attack of their own, but a combination of Jonathan Davies’ kick and Morgan Stoddart’s following up play put the home team under pressure and it wasn’t long before the men in Scarlet were on the attack once again.

The ball was kept in hand, but the defensive line of Edinburgh proved too strong and the ball was turned over until Priestland and Maule were influential in demonstrating the Scarlets’ eagerness to score more tries, with passes going to hand, good angles being run and the ball being recycled well.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t another try that was scored, but Rhys Priestland was successful with his third penalty to increas
e the Scarlets’ lead to 14 points to 6 as the sounds of ‘Hymns and Arias’ filled the air.

The Scarlets suddenly looked a dangerous team who could run the ball from any field position and were obviously enjoying the opportunity to play their trademark open rugby.

The home team were finally offered an attacking position following the ball going straight out from Jonathan Davies’ kick and for the first time in the second half the Scarlets’ defensive line was under some pressure.

Paterson added another 3 points to the home team’s score following the Scarlets being penalised for offside, directly in front of the posts, reducing the Scarlets’ lead to 5 points.

Yet another strong run from man of the match, Jonathan Davies offered Morgan Stoddart possibly his 5^th try scoring chance of the match, but unfortunately Paterson was just able to clear his line in time.

The Scarlets, looking strong, were controlling the game and were finally rewarded with a superb try from Jonathan Davies, his 7^th of the season, who broke through the Scottish defence to score in the corner.

Rhys Priestland made his final contribution of the game with a superb conversion from the touch line, before running off the pitch to allow Stephen Jones to make a welcome return from injury following his absence due to a ligament problem.

Edinburgh showed determination of their own with a series of replacements adding a much needed spark to the team. but fortunately for the Scarlets, Simon Webster crossed for a good Edinburgh try only to be called back following the interception of the linesman who deemed the pass to be forward.

With a difference of 12 points in the score, Edinburgh, looking to score tries, opted to kick for the corner rather than attempt the penalty kick following replacement Martin Roberts being penalised for bizarrely kicking the ball forward in the ruck.

The home team took full advantage of their attacking position, working their way through the phases, moving forward, but with the shouts of ‘Scarlets’ easily drowning out any home voices, the Scarlets’ defensive line held firm until Sean Lamont knocked the ball on to again offer the Scottish team an attacking scrum deep in the Scarlets’ 22.

Once again the Scarlets were able to defend their try line, which must surely have been a pleasing sight for Nigel Davies to watch after all the hard work that has been put in all week on playing without the ball and for the second time in as many minutes, Sean Lamont again halted the surge of the Scots with him again knocking on in the tackle and offering the home team the attacking scrum.

Disappointingly, Chris Paterson was able to find a gaping hole in the Scarlets’ defence and yet again the Scarlets let in a sloppy try that brought Edinburgh a losing bonus point. His conversion brought his own personal tally and that of his team to 16 points to 21.

With just 5 points separating the teams and just over 5 minutes remaining in the game, it was important that the Scarlets kept possession and their discipline, and ate into the time remaining.

Captain Matthew Rees, together with Stephen Jones combined well to organise the team and ensure they didn’t relinquish this hard fought victory, keeping the ball in hand and play in the Edinburgh half, looking for a possible penalty to ensure the victory was safe.

With Regan King worryingly receiving lengthy treatment for possible cramp, Sean Lamont went close to crossing the whitewash, but unfortunately possession was lost and the home team were able to gain some field position, working their way to half line.

As the clock ticked, Morgan Stoddart was penalised giving the Scottish team an attacking line out just on the Scarlets 22 to the delight of the home supporters who suddenly found their voices in an attempt to spur their team into snatching victory in the dying seconds of the game.

Fortunately, the Scarlets defence held firm, forcing the home team firstly out of the 22, and then back into their own half where they were penalised for holding on to the ball.

From the touch line, Nigel Davies urged his players to kick over the touchline to bring the Scarlets a historic win on Scottish soil, moving them back into 2^nd position in the League with 40 points and making them the highest placed Welsh region.

This victory will give the squad confidence and belief before their game next week against the Leicester Tigers where they hope to avenge the loss in the opening rounds of the Heineken Cup and increase their lead at the top of the Pool. It also demonstrates just how much improvement there is from last season, and how much effort and belief currently surrounds the whole Scarlets set-up.

Next week’s game kicks off at 5.45pm at Parc y Scarlets and is all set to be a mighty battle between the English and the Welsh!