Jones bows out in style

Gareth Jenkins today paid tribute to departing fly-half Stephen Jones after his Llanelli Scarlets team clinched the Celtic League title.

Welsh international Jones produced a sparkling performance on his Llanelli farewell before joining French club Montferrand this summer, by kicking 18 points in a 23-16 victory over Stradey Park visitors Ulster.

The championship showdown ultimately went Llanelli’s way though, when Jones sliced open the Ulster defence through a brilliant break that set up a decisive try for centre Matthew Watkins.

Jones’ understudy Gareth Bowen is set to take over from him in the No 10 jersey next season, but he has a tough act to follow.

“It couldn’t have been a more fitting finale for Stephen,” said Llanelli rugby director Jenkins.

“He has been a fantastic Scarlet, and a delight to work with. We wish him all the best, and I’m sure he’ll remember this occasion forever.”

Jones booted a drop-goal and five penalties as Llanelli recovered from a nervous opening to take charge during the third quarter.

“It is a great feeling to win the title. It has been a huge squad effort, and it means so much to everyone involved,” Jones said.

“The support we’ve had this season has been superb, and I’ve had a great eight years here – the team spirit is awesome.”

Llanelli went some way towards compensating for their Heineken Cup quarter-final exit against Biarritz last month, while the victory secured a memorable conclusion to a season that also saw Jenkins overlooked for the Wales coaching job.

“You don’t look back, you look forward, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity that presented itself against Ulster,” Jenkins said.

“Winning this title has galvanised the season for us, it has given us something and it is a great measure of the balance that we have in our squad.”

Watkins’ try proved the decisive moment in a fiercely-fought contest, and Neil McMillan’s late touchdown was nothing more than a consolation for Ulster, although the losing bonus point guaranteed them second place in the table.

The 66th minute sin-binning of Wales hooker Steve Jones proved crucial as Gwent Dragons were overhauled 56-39 by Leinster at Lansdowne Road, leaving the visitors back in third in the table.

Time was called on world record points scorer Neil Jenkins’ career in unusual circumstances as he was held scoreless in the Celtic Warriors’ 20-3 win against a jaded Connacht at the Sportsground.

The 32-year-old entered the field midway through the second half and shored up an impressive win for the two-try Warriors.

Glasgow made a mockery of their lowly position to snuff out the Neath-Swansea Ospreys 34-31 – but it was the visitors who were celebrating at Hughenden.

A last-gasp try by prop Duncan Jones made sure of the two bonus points they needed to pip Cardiff in the battle to earn the last Welsh place in the draw for next season’s Heineken Cup.

Borders’ hopes of giving coach Tony Gilbert a winning send-off were wrecked by the party-poopers from Munster, who prevailed 18-10.

It was also a sad exit for former Scotland hero Gary Armstrong, who was forced off with a first-half leg injury.