Hartpury fall short despite dominance up front

SCARLETS forwards coach Richard Kelly praised his side’s character after defeating Hartpury.

The Welsh side scored tries through centres Ioan Nicholas and Steffan Hughes, while full-back Morgan Williams also touched down.

Dan Jones kicked nine points from the tee which proved the difference with Hartpury crossing for three tries of their own through wing Ed Coulson and two penalty scores.

Kelly said: “There were some excellent individual performances, but the most pleasing thing was the character the boys showed when we were under pressure in the first half.

“When you come together as a select team it’s difficult to build that togetherness.”

Scarlets opened the scoring with a penalty from Jones, but the visitors scored the first try of the game through Coulson as he crossed in the corner.

Jacob Perry converted to put Hartpury into 7-3 halftime lead but the home backs showed their class in the second half.

Nicholas crossed under the posts after neat handling and former Wales U20 captain Hughes powered over for their second before Williams pounced for the third following a charge down from Tom Prydie.

Hartpury scored two penalty tries through their dominant scrum.

“When you dominate territory and possession and only come away with one score after being camped on their line, you aren’t going to win,” said Hartpury head coach Mark Cornwell.