Scarlets put paid to Blues’ fine home run

THE Scarlets ended Cardiff Blues’ unbeaten home six-match run in a gritty, stop-start Welsh Magners League derby at Cardiff City Stadium last night.

The Blues earned a bonus point, but saw the visitors rise above them into second place in the league.

Ceri Sweeney scored all the hosts points in the first-half with a penalty, try and conversion.

But in-form Priestland kicked three first-half penalties and his second-half try won it for the Scarlets.

Jonathan Davies was a late withdrawal from the Scarlets team due to ‘fitness issues’ and was replaced by Regan King.

The Scarlets were also without David Lyons (shoulder) and Rhys Thomas (broken leg).

Cardiff Blues scorers: Tries: Sweeney. Cons: Sweeney. Pens: Sweeney.

Scarlets scorers: Tries: Priestland. Cons: S. Jones. Pens: Priestland 3.

CARDIFF BLUES: Czekaj, Halfpenny, Laulala, Hewitt, James, Sweeney, Rees, Jenkins, Thomas, Andrews, B. Davies, Paterson, Pretorius, Warburton, Rush.

Replacements: Evans for Halfpenny (40), Mustoe for James (21), L. Williams for Rees (70), R. Williams for Thomas (61), Filise for Andrews (52), Tito for Paterson (52), Molitika for Pretorius (55).

SCARLETS: Evans, Stoddart, Maule, King, Lamont, Priestland, Knoyle, I. Thomas, Owens, Manu, Reed, Welch, McCusker, Turnbull, Morgan.

Replacements: S. Jones for Evans (58), S. Williams for Stoddart (58), P. Edwards for I. Thomas (77), Rees for Owens (53), Day for Welch (75), Pugh for McCusker (68).

Referee: Tim Hayes (WRFU).