Edinburgh’s top-six bid ended by Scarlets

Edinburgh’s bid to salvage a place in the top six of the Pro12 was finally snuffed out by streetwise Scarlets last night.

It was yet another poor performance in Llanelli from Duncan Hodge’s troops, who allowed the Welsh outfit to pocket a bonus point before half-time.

Only the fact that Scarlets took their foot off the pedal prevented the tussle becoming a hammering.

Now Hodge must somehow try to get his men geared up for their Challenge Cup showdown with French title-chasers La Rochelle.

The travelling fans couldn’t have feared a worse start as the hosts surged ahead after just three minutes.

A huge gap opened up in the Myreside men’s backline – and playmaker Rhys Patchell needed no second invitation to cruise through and complete the solo score at the end of a 50-metre run.

Edinburgh’s reply was quick and effective as they earned a penalty in the danger zone.

Duncan Weir found the target to repair some of the damage.

Scarlets seized back the initiative by launching a fresh series of raids. Midway through the half they created a second touchdown for Wyn Jones following a well-controlled rolling maul.

Patchell added the extras from a tricky angle.

The Edinburgh defence was shambolic five minutes later when flanker James Davies ambled over for number three, with Patchell improving his tally and stretching the gap to 16 points.

An opportunist try from Phil Burleigh, goaled by Weir, gave the Scots a muchneeded boost.

But Patchell then skipped in almost immediately to make sure of the precious bonus point.

Bill Mata was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on and James Ritchie was taken off with suspected concussion.

It was poor stuff after the interval with Scarlets happy to protect their advantage and Edinburgh never looking capable of mounting a meaningful revival.

Phil Burleigh scored Edinburgh’s only try of the game in Llanelli.