Scarlets keep pressure on Leinster

Mar 23 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

THE Scarlets are still targeting Magners League glory – after putting a huge dent in the Blues’ title hopes.

A pulsating 35-17 victory in front of 9,000 fans at Stradey Park provided a superb advert for Welsh rugby.

And the win – together with a vital bonus point – keeps them in touch with leaders Leinster and in with a chance of silverware at the end of this campaign.

While the Blues’ title hopes are now extremely slim, they still have Heineken Cup ambition, with a mouthwatering trip to Toulouse next month.

Scarlets supremo Phil Davies didn’t hide his satisfaction at his side’s win.

“I thought we were sensational,” said Davies. “We were electrifying at times, and it makes it more pleasing because we were playing against such a quality team.

“The Blues are excellent and to play like that against them and win is very pleasing.

“You cannot fault the ambition of the players and to play with that kind of tempo, intensity and intent, having not played for a couple of weeks, was superb.

“It was important we got the win and getting the bonus point does make it interesting until the end of the season.

“The Blues are still up there as well and that is great for Wales. We just need to keep playing as well as we did against the Blues.”

The difference between the two sides was at half-back, with Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel running the show for the home side.

Peel, Scarlets skipper for the night, scored one of his side’s four tries, with Iestyn Thomas, Gavin Evans and Dafydd James the other try scorers.

The Blues managed two tries of their own, through wing Jamie Roberts and Scott Morgan.

The visitors can feel harshly dealt with by the scoreline but, this defeat will focus their minds ahead of their Euro quarter-final in France, in two weeks.

Blues coach David Young didn’t hide his disappointment at his side’s defeat.

“In attack we didn't keep the ball, we got turned over far too often and lacked a cutting edge, But defence was our biggest disappoint- ment,” said Young.

“We put ourselves in some good positions, but the money balls eluded us.

“We must be more accurate and clinical if we’re to come to places like Stradey Park and win.

“The Magners League title wasn’t won or lost here.

“But the defeat makes it more difficult and we’ve put ourselves under undue pressure.”