TABLE TOPPING SCARLETS CONTINUE WITH WINNING WAYS

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

Following an excellent start to the season, top of the table, Scarlets welcome Irish province Leinster for the fourth round match in the Guinness Premiership. Despite being severely depleted with international call-ups and injury, Leinster still prove formidable opposition, however, home advantage along with the confidence from previous performance this season and a the long-awaited debut of Canadian International DTH Van de Merwe, the home team seem to be in the driving seat for the win.

An impressive start from the men in Scarlet saw them keep the ball in hand before being awarded with a penalty during the opening minutes. Steve Shingler’s successful attempt gave his side a 3 point to 0 advantage.

Great hands and super quick passing saw James Davies cross for the Scarlets’ first try of the evening. Unfortunately Shingler’s tricky conversion drifted wide of the posts, however, the Scarlets extended their lead to 8 points to 0.

Leinster were offered their first points of the game, however the penalty attempt was just short of the posts.

A high tackle penalty saw the Scarlets again in a good attacking position in the Leinster half and a further penalty saw Shingler kick for the corner. However good defensive work from the Leinster forwards soon alleviated the pressure and play was back in the Scarlets half with Leinster almost crossing the whitewash.

The Scarlets’ second try was a superb interception from none other than DTH who demonstrated his speed down the touch line as he crossed to the sound of an almighty cheer from the Scarlets faithful. Shingler added the conversion to further increase the Scarlets’ lead to 15 points to 0. This remained the score at half time.

The Scarlets continued with their domination in the second half, with the majority of play being in the Leinster 22. A yellow card for Noel Reid saw Leinster down to 14 men as the home team opted to kick for the corner, however, the line-out proved tricky, though possession was reclaimed and the men in Scarlet ventured on the attack once more.

Great hands and supporting work from Van de Merwe saw the Scarlets deep in the Leinster 22 once more and again opted for the line out following a penalty. On this occasion possession was secured and the forwards attempted to battle their way over for the try, only to see their discipline cost them.

Excellent hands from the Scarlets as a whole saw DTH cross for his second try of the match, cementing his name as a cult hero in Parc y Scarlets! Shingler again added the conversion to further extend the Scarlets’ lead to 22 points to 0, with just one more try needed for a bonus point.

Another easy penalty from Shingler saw the home team enter the final quarter with a 25 point to 0 advantage.

Leinster managed to score a try of their own, despite hardly being in the game as in-form Full Back Isa Nacewa crossed un-opposed. Byrne added the conversion to slightly narrow the gap to 25 points to 7.

It was only the hands of Wing Fergus McFadden that denied Leinster another certain try as suddenly rather than looking for the bonus point, the home team were defending their lead as the visitors seemed to grow in confidence following the scoring of their try.

As the minutes ticked away, Leinster continued with this dominance and were rewarded with a second try of the evening, scored following an immense effort from their forwards, giving a final score of 25 points to 14.

The second of three Friday night home fixtures continues next week as Scarlets welcome Munster, kick off 7.05pm.