Glasgow 13 - 18 Scarlets: Scarlets ruin Scotstoun party

Published on 08/09/2012 04:53

SCARLETS maintained their good start to the new RaboDirect Pro12 season with a second win and in the process rained on the parade of Glasgow, who were playing their first game at the revamped Scotstoun Stadium.

In a disappointing game Scarlets showed how to take the few tryscoring chances that came along.

Flanker Aaron Shingler grabbed the opening try after Glasgow lost possession in their own half.

The second came on half-time, scored by winger Andy Fenby, again following lost Glasgow possession.

The third was scored by winger George North after good play by his backs colleagues.

Rhys Priestland, who had an off-night with his place kicking, kicked a second half penalty.

Glasgow, left looking for their first win, did at least gain their first point. The pack was good value all night but for all their handling the backs were far too lateral.

The home side’s points came from two penalties in the first half from Ruaridh Jackson and a try near the end from Chris Cusiter, converted by Duncan Weir.

Scarlets led 10-6 at the end of a first half which was notable for the poor place kicking from both stand-offs.

Rhys Priestland, who was to go on to miss another penalty and both conversions, failed with his first in just two minutes.

Five minutes later Jackson put Glasgow ahead with a simple effort and the game settled to a midfield slog.

In the 26th minute Glasgow, counter-attacking down their left, lost possession and the ball was switched to the other wing by Scarlets. George North supplied the inside pass to Shingler, who flopped over the line.

Four minutes later Shingler turned villain when he was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle - but Jackson could make nothing of the penalty chance.

Further lost Glasgow possession in the Scarlets half set up a 38th minute foot race to the home line after Jon Davies kicked the ball deep into Glasgow territory, with Fenby the winner.

However, there was still time for Jackson to at last notch a penalty success.

Glasgow changed their number 10 for the second half, Weir coming on, but it was Scarlets that moved up a gear.

Priestland kicked a 46th minute penalty and 12 minutes later swift handling by the Scarlets backs finished with North touching down.

Glasgow threw everything into the closing stages and were rewarded with a late Cusiter try converted by Weir - but that was the extent of the comeback.