Scarlets get big B&I Cup boost

SCARLETS SELECT ....... 18 CORNISH PIRATES ........ 10

SCARLETS Premiership Select gave their British & Irish Cup hopes a further boost with victory over Cornish Pirates in their rearranged clash at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground.

Tries in each half from outside centre Tom Hughes and exWales U20 skipper Tom Phillips helped steer the Scarlets to a win that takes them level on to nine points with both the Pirates and Ulster A at the halfway stage in Pool Five.

Fly-half Jacob Botica added a conversion and two penalties while hooker Dan Frost scored a second half try for the English Championship visitors.

The match had been scheduled to take place at Carmarthen Park on Sunday but was postponed on safety grounds due to adverse weather conditions.

The sides will now meet again for the return fixture on Sunday in Penzance with the pool now wide open.

RGC 1404’s Botica booted the Scarlets in front in the 13th minute, but just missed with a second penalty attempt six minutes later.

It was the Scarlets, having made good territory, who grabbed the first try in the 23rd minute when Hughes, another RGC player, raced on to a kick ahead to score, although Botica’s conversion attempt sailed wide.

Attacking with confidence, Scarlets full-back Tom Rogers was then bundled into touch as he went for the line following an excellent run.

And moments later at the other end Scarlets wing Ryan Conbeer produced a try-saving tackle after an almost carbon copy dart through midfield from the Pirates who were also looking dangerous with ball in hand.

Pirates replied through their fly-half Laurence May from the tee three minutes before the break after Scarlets were penalised at the breakdown to reduce the hosts’ lead to 8-3.

Botica landed his second penalty just after the re-start before Scarlets made their pressure pay once again when No.8 Phillips bundled over in the left corner, with Botica taking care of the extras to extend their lead to 18-3.

Pirates responded with a try on 56 minutes through Frost, converted by May, but it didn’t spark a comeback and the Scarlets held on for their second victory from three matches in the pool. Scarlets Select: Tries: T Hughes, T Phillips; Con: J Botica; Pens: Botica (2) Cornish Pirates: Try: D Frost; Con: L May; Pen: May