A late Stephen Jones penalty gave the Scarlets a deserved victory over London Irish in yet another pulsating Heineken Cup encounter at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon.
Jones struck with just a minute and 40 seconds remaining to secure a 27-25 win over the in-form Exiles.
Sailosi Tagicakibau’s interception try looked to have stolen the match for the hosts before Jones twice kicked three pointers in the dying minutes – his first coming after 72 minutes – as the Scarlets claimed their first European away win since 2007.
Both sides came into the second round with unbeaten records after they recorded impressive victories on the opening weekend of Heineken Cup action.
But while the Scarlets’ 24-12 triumph over Brive had been solid enough, it was the Exiles’ stunning victory at reigning champions Leinster that understandably grabbed the headlines.
The nature of that result, coupled with the two sides’ contrasting form in their respective domestic competitions, led the bookmakers to install Toby Booth’s men as heavy favourites ahead of this Pool 6 clash.
And when Declan Danaher crossed for Irish inside the first six minutes, it appeared as though the 2008 Heineken Cup semi-finalists would ease their way to a sixth victory in seven games so far this season.
But the Scarlets had other ideas and they matched their much-fancied opponents blow-by-blow throughout an end-to-end first half.
Full back Daniel Evans and wing Mark Jones both scored superb individual tries either side of Elvis Sevali’i’s effort as the opening 40 minutes ended level at 18 points apiece.
The second period may have seen less action as far as the scoreboard was concerned, but it was no less compelling.
Jones kicked the visitors into a 54th-minute lead before Tagicakibau picked off a loose pass as the Scarlets looked to make the most of a glaring overlap wide on the right-hand side.
The Samoan’s seventh try in as many games appeared to have swung proceedings back in Irish’s favour but Jones’ steady boot ensured the Scarlets left for home with a result that befitted an outstanding overall performance.
