Glasgow 34 - 20 Scarlets

Published on Friday 26 September 2008 23:56

THOM Evans was the star last night as Sean Lineen's men shook off their slumbers to kick-start their Magners League charge.

Another dose of gloom had looked on the cards as Glasgow made a disastrous start but wing Evans lit up Firhill with a marvellous two-try display which propelled them to a crucial bonus point.

Scarlets – determined to make amends for their hammering by Edinburgh last weekend – made a stirring start and capitalised on early pressure by surging in front after only four minutes.

They patiently amassed a series of phases before Lions playmaker Stephen Jones ducked inside Moray Low to reach the line.

Gradually Glasgow battled their way back into the match only to squander a golden opportunity to level matters.

A thrilling dash by Lome Fa'atau and Evans set up full-back Bernie Stortoni 30 metres out but indecision allowed the Scarlets to backtrack and snuff out the danger.

And there was a further blow for the Warriors midway through the half as the visitors grabbed their second touchdown.

Fa'tau was robbed just inside his own half, presenting Mark Jones with a cruise to the line. Stephen Jones added the conversion to stretch the gap to 10.

Dan Parks eased some of the jitters by slotting a simple penalty and that was the cue for Glasgow to move into gear at last.

The ball was flashed through at least six pairs of hands before skipper Ally Kellock sent Evans skidding over.

They should have broken through again on the half hour but Fa'atau lost possession.

Warriors stepped up the pace in the build up to the break, with Johnnie Beattie and Opeta Palepoi going close.

However, the stage was left clear for John Barclay to grab a well-deserved try from close quarters to put the home side in front.

Even better was to come as Glasgow created a wonderful score for hooker Dougie Hall.

Fa'atau made up for his earlier slips by leaving the Scarlets defence for dead with a pin-point chip-and-chase before sending Hall clear with a perfectly-delivered pass.

Parks converted to provide another injection of confidence.

They made sure of the precious bonus point with yet another sizzling try by Evans in the wake of a break by brother Max.

Scarlets refused to buckle and Mark Jones notched his second to give them a glimmer of hope.

Stephen Jones added a penalty, but substitute Colin Gregor had the last word with a fifth try for Glasgow, goaled by Parks.