Llanelli Star

Theresa May might take note: this is how to achieve Brexit before year is out

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THE Scarlets sank beneath the European waves, with a fourth consecutiv­e loss in Pool 4 confirming the Welsh region’s Champions Cup fate for the season.

Wayne Pivac’s side had reached the semi-finals last term, playing a brand of rugby that earned them admirers across the competitio­n.

But they haven’t looked like repeating the trick and were under the cosh for long periods against a physical Ulster side at the Kingspan Stadium.

There were game tackling efforts from Lewis Rawlins, Will Boyde and Jake Ball, but the Welsh team struggled for territory and possession and played virtually the entire match on the back foot.

It says much for their courage that they were only eight points behind just past the hour mark.

But Ulster pulled away in the final quarter to repeat their bonuspoint victory in Llanelli a week earlier.

There were two home tries for Iain Henderson and one apiece for Jacob Stockdale and John Cooney.

For the Scarlets, Jonathan Davies and Tom Prydie replied.

Henderson shone for Ulster and Stuart McCloskey made ground in midfield, but the standout performer was fly-half Billy Burns, who controlled play superbly.

The first half was hard work for the Scarlets, who turned around at the break 10-3 adrift.

Really, had it been 25-3 adrift they could have had few complaints.

They struggled to achieve even a toe-hold in Ulster territory, finding it hard to handle the conditions, with swirling rain blowing through the stadium. Steff Evans takes on Ulster’s John Cooney.

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