Scarlets ensure Heineken Cup spot

Llanelli 25 Cardiff Blues 13

Llanelli Scarlets ensured automatic Heineken Cup qualification for next season with a three-try Celtic League victory over regional rivals Cardiff Blues.

Scarlets will go into Europe’s top club competition with Neath-Swansea Ospreys and Newport-Gwent Dragons, but the only chance for the Blues is through the play-off route.

The match could have been an anti-climax after Wales’ Grand Slam celebrations yesterday but a crowd of 6,116 turned up to cheer on their respective regions.

The hosts opened up a 17-6 interval lead but it took time for them to dominate.

In a dour opening quarter Scarlets fly-half Gareth Bowen and Blues centre Lee Thomas swapped penalties.

The Scarlets gradually felt the benefit of a stiff wind at their backs in the first half and their first try arrived on 29 minutes when prop Phil John was put under the posts by number eight Andy Powell after good line-out possession.

The Blues pulled back through a second penalty for Thomas but Scarlets had the final say of the half with a second try, with Powell crashing over from a five-metre scrum.

After the break the Scarlets extended their lead with a second penalty for Bowen but the Blues were not going to give up automatic Heineken Cup qualification without a scrap and came back with a try through Martin Jones with a drive over the line from a line-out.

Thomas’ conversion cut the home side’s lead to just seven points, but the Blues centre failed with a penalty attempt five minutes from time.

The Scarlets had the last word with a try down the blindside for skipper Vernon Cooper which prevented the Blues from gaining a bonus point.