High tackle controversy swings it for Scarlets

WAYNE Pivac hailed his Scarlets’ never say day die spirit after they battled hard to put playoff rivals Ulster to the sword.

Jacob Stockdale’s firsthalf try and eight points from the boot of Paddy Jackson looked to have brought Ulster right back into the semi-final race.

That was until referee Marius Mitrea swung the match by awarding a penalty try after the hour mark following Sean Reidy’s high tackle on Aled Davies inches from the try-line.

Victory takes the West Walians to fifth in the table, seven points clear of Ulster with Glasgow a point ahead in fourth following last night’s victory.

“I thought we were superb second-half after having three games in 11 days,” said Pivac. “The wet and windy conditions were really tough but we showed sheer will and determination. There is a good vibe in this group.

“Glasgow, Ulster and ourselves are scrapping for fourth so this game was always going to be an important one, especially with Glasgow next up.”

The retuning Rory Best went off his feet at a ruck to allow Scarlets fly-half Dan Jones to fire the hosts into the lead.

The Wales U20 international added another three points minutes later, before a devastating angle from Stuart McCloskey saw Ulster hit the front.

The Ireland centre made a half-break between Liam Williams and James Davies and offloaded to Stockdale, who dived over to score.

Jackson, who had struck a penalty just before the try, added the conversion and another penalty to give his men a 13-6 half-time lead.

Replacement scrumhalf Aled Davies looked to have been held-up over the line, but on review he had been stopped by a Sean Reidy high tackle, and Mitrea awarded a penalty try.

Reidy was sent to the bin before Jones landed the conversion to put the hosts three points ahead.

Ulster had one last chance to snatch victory with a scrum deep in enemy territory - but the ball was spilled and Scarlets held on to cement their place among the play-off contenders.

Ulster head coach Les Kiss said: “The penalty try was disappointing but that’s the new world we’re living in, we have to adapt.

“It’s right to have an attention to ensure safety is paramount, but working out the interpretation is something that will take time.”