Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Scarlets squeeze past Cardiff Blues

Scarlets had plenty of reasons to celebrate on Friday night (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Cardiff Blues missed the chance to record a hat-trick of festive Welsh derby victories as Scarlets sneaked a 16-14 win before a sell-out crowd at the Arms Park.

ADVERTISEMENT

After wins over Ospreys and Dragons, Blues were narrow favourites for victory but poor goal-kicking cost them the match. Leigh Halfpenny made them pay with three penalties and the conversion of a try from Gareth Davies. Blues’ tries came from Owen Lane and Josh Adams, with Jarrod Evans and Jason Tovey each adding a conversion.

Blues had the first chance for points but Evans was off target with a penalty before Halfpenny fired one over from a similar position to give the visitors an eighth-minute lead. Three minutes later, Halfpenny kicked another after Blues conceded their fourth penalty in the first 11 minutes.

After a superb flowing move which covered 50 metres, Blues won a penalty in the visitors’ 22 but this time the hosts elected for an attacking line-out which proved the wrong option as Scarlets won possession against the throw. However, Blues maintained the pressure and, after 24 minutes, they scored the opening try when brilliant work from Hallam Amos saw him draw in to two defenders to send Lane racing away down the right flank.

When the wing was challenged he kicked ahead and easily won the race to touchdown. Evans converted and Blues were in front for the first time. A mistake from Evans soon gave Scarlets back the lead. His telegraphed pass was intercepted by Davies, who raced in from halfway. Halfpenny converted and added a 45-metre penalty to give his side a 16-7 half-time lead.

(Continue reading below…)

WATCH: RugbyPass travelled to Brecon to see how life after rugby is treating Andy Powell

Video Spacer

Evans was replaced by Tovey at the break, but the former Dragon was unsuccessful with his first kick at goal. The home side continued to dominate in terms of possession and territory but some poor decision-making and a resolute red defence prevented them from capitalising.

ADVERTISEMENT

The game became increasingly scrappy and it came as no surprise that the third quarter was scoreless as neither side could threaten the try line.

It therefore came as a shock when Blues produced a try of stunning quality. From deep inside their own half, they moved the ball wide where Rey Lee-Lo and Adams combined brilliantly for Adams to evade two coverers on a 30-metre run to the line.

Tovey converted but missed with a 45-metre angled penalty 10 minutes from time, which allowed Scarlets to hang on to four valuable league points.

– Press Association 

WATCH: Follow every game from the Gallagher Premiership and Guinness PRO14 LIVE in the RugbyPass Match Centrewith live commentary, scores, stats and more including HD streaming in some countries
Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | First Match | Full Match Replay

Did the Lions loosies get away with murder? And revisiting the Springboks lift | Whistle Watch

The First Test, Visiting The Great Barrier Reef & Poetry with Pierre | Ep 6: The Ultimate Test

KOKO Show | July 22nd | Full Throttle with Brisbane Test Review and Melbourne Preview

New Zealand v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

USA vs England | Men's International | Full Match Replay

France v Argentina | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Lions Share | Episode 4

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Erasmus invites 3 U20 stars into Bok squad as multiple RWC winners miss out Erasmus names 3 U20 stars in Bok squad as many RWC winners miss out