Both regions scored two tries a piece, with the only difference being an excellently taken conversion by Blues outside half Millie Williams to earn her side a narrow 12-10 victory.
The game opened with both defences to the fore, the physicality in the tackle form the both teams was immense. And any scoring opportunities were limited. Indeed, it took until the final two minutes of the first half for the first score to be registered.
After a spell of pressure from the Blues, the Scarlets girls managed to play away from their own 22, some slick handling along the back line, saw speedy Scarlets winger Megan Davies sprint clear of the Blues cover defence to score wide out.
The Scarlets started the second half well, but gradually the power of the Blues pack began to take its toll.
Powerful Blues No 8 Georgia Fricker made some telling carries into the hitherto solid red defensive line, and gradually the Blues moved up the pitch.
The Scarlets, not for the first time, were guilty of poor discipline at the contact area, and from one such infringement Outside half Williams’s pin point accuracy gave the Blues a line out on the Scarlets 5-meter line. To their credit the Scarlets halted the initial drive, but the ball was quickly recycled and Blues lock Mel Palmer powered over for the score. Williams adding the vital extras. To give the visitors a 5-7 lead.
Once again the Scarlets came back into the game, with the forwards and back finally managing to get their off-loading game going. The inter-play between the Scarlets forwards and back was outstanding finally releasing replacement outside half Megan Beech to score the try.
Unfortunately for the Scarlets this was as good as it got as the Blues forward pack took control. The Blues began to dominate territory and their powerful scrum continually took possession away from the home team. The Scarlets continued to defend valiantly, but finally the Blues spun the ball wide for winger Bethan Picton to score the decisive try with 10 minutes to go.
Unfortunately, in the build up to the score, Scarlets back row, Nia Walter sustained an injury to her neck and play was suspended while she received medical treatment. And as the light worsened the game was brought to a premature end. Thankfully Walters’s injury was not severe and was allowed home after an in-depth medical assessment.
The Scarlets, failed to live up to their previous performances in the championship and indeed for most of the game were lethargic in their play, but that is to take nothing away from The Blues girls who were outstanding throughout and thoroughly deserved the win.
The Scarlets remain at the top of the championship table going into the Christmas break thanks to their results in the previous rounds, but will have to improve on this performance when the take on the revitalized Ospreys when the two teams meet in the new year.
