Scarlets Suffer Late Dragons Defeat

And so we reach the final round of this season’s Pro14 regular season, with the Scarlets facing the Dragons in the opening game of this year’s Judgment Day at the Principality Stadium.
The main talking point prior to kick-off was finally the welcome return of Blade Thomson who was on the bench after a lengthy lay-off following a concussion back in October.
With the Scarlets relying on results elsewhere to have any hopes of securing a fourth-placed play-off for qualification in next year’s Champions Cup, the ideal scenario was a bonus point win.
It was the Dragons that were the first on the scoreboard after the Scarlets were pinged for off-side. Josh Lewis slotted over the simple penalty attempt to give the ‘home side’ a 3 points to 0 lead.
However, the Scarlets were soon back on the attack and working through the phases deep in the Dragons’ 22 before a handling error resulted in a Dragons scrum and the hosts showed their intent by kicking for the corner.
Securing the possession the Dragons continued their attack, coming within inches of the Scarlets’ try line, but with advantage being played in their favour, they opted to take the three points on offer with a simple penalty right in front of the posts to extend their lead to 6 points to 0.
A yellow card for Hal Amos offered the Scarlets the chance to take advantage of their extra man, but they were fortunate not to have the ball intercepted by Rhodri Williams. The Scarlets recycled the ball well before releasing to Ioan Nicholas who crossed for the first try of the afternoon. Leigh Halfpenny added the extras to put the Scarlets in the lead for the first time – 6 points to 7.
That try obviously brought a new-found confidence to the men in blue and white and following a further penalty award they opted to kick for the corner rather than taking the points. They were rewarded for their efforts as Johnny McNicholl dived over in the corner. The TMO confirmed that the try had been awarded and up stepped Halfpenny to add the conversion, but the ball hit the posts as the Scarlets extended their lead to 6 points to 12.
The Scarlets’ dominance continued with Gareth Davies crossing from close range for try number three. Again Halfpenny was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt, but the Scarlets were by then ahead by 6 points to 17.
Despite a late resurgence from the Dragons at the end of the half, they offered very little threat in attack and never really tested the Scarlets’ defence as the ‘visitors’ remained in the lead at the break by 6 points to 17.
The Dragons thought they had the perfect start to the second half with Ross Moriaty appearing to have crashed over from close range but on further inspection from the TMO, it was deemed that he had knocked the ball on prior to grounding and the Scarlets were awarded a scrum.
Securing a penalty at the scrum offered the visitors the chance to relieve the pressure and they were soon back on the attack as they continued in their quest for a fourth try and a bonus point, which would, in terms of what they could control, be job done!
However, the hosts had other ideas and securing a penalty deep in the Scarlets 22, Lock, Matthew Screech powered over from close range. Josh Lewis added the extras to cut the Dragons’ deficit to 4 points – 13 points to 17.
It was great news for Scarlets supporters as Blade Thomson finally returned to the playing field. Sadly, it wasn’t a great welcome back for him, as with David Bullbring being shown a yellow card, the Dragons suddenly came to life with Jack Dixon crossing for the try that saw them re-claim the lead. Josh Lewis added the conversion to put them ahead by 20 points to 17.
Within a matter of seconds, that man Lewis intercepted the ball to race in under the posts. He added the conversion to further extend the Dragons’ lead to 27 points to 17.
The Scarlets finally secured the try bonus point as Jonathan Davies dived over in the corner for their fourth try. Again, Halfpenny was unable to add the extras as they managed to cut the Dragons’ lead to 27 points to 22.
A second try from Johnny McNicholl that saw the Wing dive over in the corner, drew the game back level with the conversion to follow. Having only previously converted one of the Scarlets’ tries, Leigh Halfpenny finally found his kicking boots once more as his successful conversion attempt gave the visitors a slender lead – 27 points to 29.
A penalty from Leigh Halfpenny extended the Scarlets’ lead to 27 points to 32 and it looked that Jonathan Davies had sealed the victory with his second try of the afternoon, however, his effort was disallowed due to crossing which offered the Dragons the chance to kick for the corner.
In a tense ending to the game, the Dragons were inches from the Scarlets’ try line, leaving the visitors defending for their victory. With just seconds left on the clock, it appeared that the Dragons had snatched victory from the Scarlets.
However, a very lengthy consultation with the TMO, that certainly added to the drama, it did appear that the ball had either been knocked forward or had been grounded short, but the try was finally awarded to Matthew Screech. Replacement Outside Half, Jason Tovey slotted over the simple conversion to put the Dragons back in the lead by 34 points to 32 with just a matter of seconds remaining.
Despite their efforts to secure a last gasp victory, including a last second drop goal attempt from Rhys Patchell, the Dragons secured their first victory against the Scarlets for many a season.
Even though the aim was a bonus-point win, securing two points could well be enough for the Scarlets to reach the European Play-offs as it depends on results elsewhere. Even two points has left Edinburgh needing to win, which was the same scenario had the Scarlets won.