Newport Gwent Dragons 9 – 14 Scarlets
The Scarlets ended Newport Gwent Dragons’ unbeaten run at Rodney Parade this season in the Magners League with a 9-14 victory built around a heroic defensive display.
The Scarlets had to withstand a late onslaught from the home side who battered away at the try-line for a staggering 35 phases, lasting nine minutes into injury time. Aled Brew, Grant Webb and Pat Palmer were all brought down inches short of the line as the Dragons fought to gain a try to even the scores.
But it eventually, like so much that went before it, came to nothing as the Dragons were held up over the line to lose their last four games in all competitions on the bounce.
The major downside for the Scarlets was a shoulder injury to star fly half Stephen Jones who came off after 54 minutes following a heavy tackle by opposite number Shaun Connor.
The Dragons led 9-8 at the interval despite the Scarlets grabbing the only try of the half through full back Rhys Priestland after good work by Jonathan Davies.
Connor booted over an early drop goal and two penalties for the home side in the first half as the Dragons attempted to halt their losing run. However a series of basic handling errors and poor decision making made their job more difficult.
Jones booted another penalty after the break but missed a 35 metre effort in front of the posts and was replaced by Dan Evans immediately to have his shoulder iced on the bench.
In a game which struggled to engage the crowd, the Scarlets edged further ahead when Priestland landed over a wide penalty with five minutes remaining.
That signalled a late surge by the home side but the Dragons were unable to break the Scarlets defensive stranglehold which remained vice-like to ensure the visitors keep their qualification for next year’s Heineken Cup alive.
The Dragons led 9-8 at the interval despite the Scarlets grabbing the only try of the half through full back Rhys Priestland after good work by Jonathan Davies.
Connor booted over an early drop goal and two penalties for the home side in the first half as the Dragons attempted to halt their losing run. However a series of basic handling errors and poor decision making made their job more difficult.
Jones booted another penalty after the break but missed a 35 metre effort in front of the posts and was replaced by Dan Evans immediately to have his shoulder iced on the bench.
In a game which struggled to engage the crowd, the Scarlets edged further ahead when Priestland landed over a wide penalty with five minutes remaining.
That signalled a late surge by the home side but the Dragons were unable to break the Scarlets defensive stranglehold which remained vice-like to ensure the visitors keep their qualification for next year’s Heineken Cup alive.
