Scarlets cling on for narrowest of victories…

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

Following a tough couple of months, with just a win against Connacht this year, the Scarlets are currently third in the league with the possibility of regaining the top spot if they win against opponents Edinburgh.

With kick-off a late 8.15pm, due to Wales Under 20’s taking on Scotland Under 20’s prior to tomorrow’s main event with Wales taking on Scotland, to say conditions were chilly would be an understatement!

The Scarlets looked close to scoring the first try right from the kick-off with DTH just short, however Edinburgh were able to clear their lines and the chance of a very early score was diminished.

The Scarlets did score the first try of the evening with a superb run from Number 8 Morgan Allen (sponsored by Cakes by Helzbach!!) who crossed in the corner for his first home try of the season. Steve Shingler added the conversion to give the home team a 7 point to 0 lead.

Their lead was extended to 10 points to 0 with a well struck penalty from Shingler. Edinburgh were offered the opportunity to narrow the gap with a penalty of their own a matter of minutes later though, as Scrum Half Nathan Fowles opened their scoring to bring the score line to 10 points to 3.

Replacement Aled Thomas added another penaly to further increase his side’s lead to 13 points to 3.

With half time approaching, Edinburgh were offered the chance of another penalty, however, the reasonably easy attempt hit the post and the Scarlets were able to hang on to their 13-3 lead as the first half drew to a close.

It was the visitors that had the opportunity to put points on the board at the start of the second half and this time, Fowles was spot on with his attempt from in front of the posts to put the Scots within a converted try of the Scarlets – 13 points to 6.

A superb break from Allen took the Scarlets back into the Edinburgh 22, but unfortunately the ball spilled forward. However strong scrummaging from the Scarlets forwards gave Thomas the chance of another 3 points. His successful kick restored the 10 point lead – 16 points to 6. He added another long range penalty to give his team a comfortable 19 point to 6 lead, hopefully creating enough of a lead for the scoring of some tries.

Unfortunately it was Edinburgh that managed to cross the white wash as they took full advantage of a line out deep in the Scarlets 22. Number 8 Cornell Du Preez squeezed over for the visitors’ first try. Tonks’ conversion attempt sailed just to the left of the posts, however the Scarlets’ lead was reduced to 19 points to 11 with Edinburgh back on the attack in the Scarlets’ 22 almost immediately.

They added another easy penalty attempt and were back within 5 points – 19 – 14.

With less than 10 minutes on the clock, it was Edinburgh that looked far more likely than scoring as they worked through the phases in the Scarlets 22, before replacement Alex Toolis crossed in the corner to draw the game level at 19 points each with the succesful conversion giving the visitors the lead for the first time in the game – 19 points to 21.

However, the Scarlets were offered an almost immediate life-line with a penalty attempt right in front of the posts. Aled Thomas held his nerve to re-gain the lead for the home team – 22 points to 21 with just over 3 minutes remaining of the game.

It was a huge relief that the Scarlets managed to hang on to their slenderest of leads to gain an important win, that leaves them in 4th in the Pro12, due to other results this weekend.

Next Sunday Pro12 action continues with the Scarlets travelling to play Ulster.