Scarlets wilt as Scots race away
EDINBURGH enhanced their URC play-off prospects as they ran in six tries to claim a bonus-point victory over the Scarlets at Hive Stadium.
The visitors led at the break as they sought a first win outside of Wales for 15 months, before Edinburgh moved through the gears in the second half to win comfortably.
The victory lifts Sean Everitt’s side into eighth place.
The Scarlets landed the first score of an eventful contest after pinching an Edinburgh line-out. The forwards took them close to the line before Vaea Fifita made a one-handed pass to Tom Rogers who scored in the corner, with Sam Costelow adding the extras.
Edinburgh drew level through a piece of magic from Wes Goosen. The full-back was fed by James Lang and sold a perfect dummy before strolling over the line for a try that Ben Healy converted.
Costelow sent the Scarlets back in front with a penalty from halfway before the visitors stretched their lead by capitalising on another Edinburgh error.
Ali Price’s attempted box-kick was blocked by Sam Lousi and Alex Craig’s hack forward fell perfectly for Gareth Davies to scoop up and cross as the visitors established a 15-7 half-time lead.
EDINBURGH ...................... 43 SCARLETS ......................... 18
Everitt changed his entire front row at the interval to try to get Edinburgh going and they soon earned their second try.
Price atoned for his earlier error by teeing up Duhan van der Merwe with a switch pass and the wing was able to run unimpeded to the line for a try. Healy converted, then kicked a further three points to send Edinburgh in front for the first time.
The Scarlets rallied and another Costelow penalty saw the lead change hands once again.
Some incredible defence on the Scarlets line kept Edinburgh at bay before the ball went wide for Healy to tee up Matt Currie to score under the posts. Healy’s conversion sent the home side six points in front.
The Scarlets looked beaten at this point and Pierre Schoeman bulldozed his way over for the fourth try that earned Edinburgh a bonus point. With the visitors wilting, the home side added two more tries, with Matt Bennett benefiting from a fortunate ricochet to dot down before a terrific move concluded with Bill Mata weaving his way through to score.