Scarlets win derby clash as Jones hurt
The Lions fly-half came off after 54 minutes in his side’s victory complaining of soreness on the AC joint of his right shoulder following a heavy tackle in the first-half.
Both regions were desperate to kick the losing habit, with the Dragons having suffered three-straight losses, while the Scarlets had not won since the LV=Cup triumph over Worcester on November 14.
But man-of-the-match Rhys Priestland’s first-half proved crucial in deciding matters in favour of the visitors, whose coach Nigel Davies praised his side’s defence.
“We were desperate for the win and that was phenomenal defence, the boys were very focused,” he said.
The Dragons led 9-8 at the interval as they sought a win to move them up to third in the table.
But Scarlets, languishing one place off the bottom, grabbed the only try of the match, although they should have added another two.
Full-back Rhys Priestland was put over for that touchdown after centre Jonathan Davies skinned opposite number Matthew Watkins.
The home side relied on the boot of outside-half Shaun Connor who grabbed an early drop goal before landing two penalties, Jones adding one of his own for the visitors.
Jones booted another penalty after the break but missed a 35-metre effort in front of the posts and was immediately hauled ashore.
DRAGONS: J Tovey; A Brew, T Riley, M Watkins, R Fussell; S Connor, D Lee; H Gustafson, T Willis (capt), P Palmer; R Sidoli, L Charteris; H Macdonald, G Thomas, L Evans.
Replacements: M Thomas for Tovey (65), G Williams for Lee (40), S Jones for Willis (56), A McKenzie for L Evans (62).
SCARLETS: R Priestland; L Williams, S Lamont, J Davies, A Fenby; S Jones, G Davies; P John, K Owens, D Manu; L Reed, D Day; R McCusker, J Edwards, D Lyons (capt).
Replacements: D Evans for S Jones (53), R Pugh for Edwards (60).
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
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