Scarlets squeeze out Leinster

MICHAEL CHEIKA admitted ill discipline cost Leinster dearly after the reigning Heineken Cup champions slumped to a shock opening day defeat to the Scarlets in the Magners League.

The kings of Europe led 16-7 thanks to Girvan Dempsey’s first-half try and 11 points from the commanding boot of Jonathan Sexton before they were pegged back by their Welsh hosts in the final quarter.

Both sides saw two players sin-binned, with Leinster forward pair Stan Wright and Sean O’Brien, as well as Scarlets debutants Richie Pugh and Rhys Thomas, feeling the wrath of Scottish official Neil Paterson.