SCARLETS picked up their second win of the United Rugby Championship on Friday night (Oct 22) as they beat Bennetton 34-28 at Parc Y Scarlets.
Aaron Shingler was playing his 200th game for the region while Rob Evans was also making his 150th appearance in a Scarlets shirt.
It was the latter who was celebrating on 16 minutes as he grabbed the game’s first try.
There had been an even start to the game but Evans forced his way over under the posts and Dan Jones added the extras.
Just two minutes later the Scarlets were celebrating again as Scott Williams broke free before passing to Dane Blacker who went over for the try with Jones again adding the extras for a 14-0 lead.
Bennetton looked to hit back but a pass was well intercepted by Steff Evans and the home side were able to clear their lines.
However, the visitors were soon back on the attack and Dewaldt Duvenage went over for the try. It was checked by the TMO for a possible forward pass but there was no clear angle and they try stood.
Rhyno Smith then added the extras to bring the visitors back into the game.
As the first half drew to a close Scarlets looked to score their third try but the ball went out of play and the home side held a 14-7 lead at the break.
Three minutes into the second half Bennetton’s Tomas Galo went over for the try. The TMO was again called for as Galo appeared to be in an offside position but the try was given. Smith added the extras to level the game at 14-14.
However, the Scarlets were soon back in front as Jones landed a penalty.
They thought they had a try when Jones kicked through for Steff Evans who looked to have grounded the ball with his elbow but the try wasn’t given.
Play was brought back for an advantage and after Scarlets kicked to touch the men in red drove over the line and this time the touch down from Marc Jones was good. Jones added the extras again for a 24-14 lead.
The visitors hit back again as Galo went over for his second try and the conversion brought Bennetton to within three points of the home side.
Scarlets were soon on the attack again through as Williams and Blacker combined again with the latter going over for his second try.
That gave them a bonus point for their fourth try and Jones again added the extras.
Angus O’Brien extended the Scarlets’ lead further with a penalty but Bennetton again hit back.
Tommaso Menoncello intercepted a pass in the middle of the field and ran on to score under the posts.
The Scarlets thought they had the last laugh soon after as Steff Evans took the ball and went over to touch the ball down.
It went upstairs once more and it was ruled out as Evans was in an offside position.
That was the last of the action though as Scarlets saw the game out for an important win.
