Llanelli keep up pressure on Ulster after win

Llanelli Scarlets 47 Edinburgh 12

Llanelli maintained the pressure on leaders Ulster at the top of the Celtic League with a comfortable bonus-points victory over Edinburgh at Stradey Park.

Centre Matthew Watkins, captaining the side for the first time, was the star performer, pulling the strings in midfield as the Scarlets ran in seven tries.

Not far behind in the man of the match stakes was full-back Barry Davies and second row Chris Wyatt who both claimed two tries to send out their own individual messages to Wales coach Steve Hansen.

The Scarlets were on the score sheet after just four minutes when Salesi Finau, back after a three-week suspension, galloped in unopposed following a fine break from scrum-half Mike Phillips.

It was the first of four first-half tries which ensured the home side had a precious bonus point in the bag well before the interval.

Watkins cut open the visitors before sending full-back Davies over for the second after 21 minutes then fellow centre Tal Selley made a third soon after for hooker Aled Gravelle.

With the Scottish side, severely depleted by international calls, struggling to cope with the pace of the home game fly-half Gareth Bowen broke clear from inside his own half to send Barry Davies over for his second of the night and that all important fourth try.

An impressive half by the home side was marred by an injury to prop Phil John who was carried from the field with a suspected broken ankle and in the dying moments Edinburgh gave themselves a glimmer of hope when left-wing Malcolm Clapperton crossed in the corner.

However, the second period turned into a case of damage limitation for the visitors as the Scarlets ran in three more tries, two from international lock Wyatt and another by man of the match Watkins with Edinburgh crossing for a late consolation effort from replacement prop Tom McGee.