Mixed fortunes for Welsh regions in Magners League

Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions Published 3:36 pm 8th Sep 2006 News

LLANELLI SCARLETS 31, GLASGOW 17

Darren Daniel scored a hat-trick as Llanelli Scarlets put their financial concerns to one side with a convincing 31-17 victory over Glasgow at Stradey Park.

All the talk before kick-off was over the threat of the region being put into administration following the decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to call-in the plans to sell off Stradey that will fund the move to a purpose-built stadium.

However the Scarlets players did their best to help their supporters forget those concerns with an emphatic second-half demolition of the Scottish outfit.

Stephen Jones made his competitive return to Stradey following two years in France with Clermont-Auvergne. But it was his Wales and British Lions side-kick Dwayne Peel and youngster Daniel who stole the show.

Peel produced a man of the match performance including the Scarlets’ second try before a scorching run from inside his own half moments later sent Gavin Evansover. But it was Daniel who grabbed three more after opening the scoring on 28 minutes after Jones’ break.

The Scarlets’ lead was just 5-3 at the break following a drop goal by Francisco Leonelli before they hit Glasgow with three tries in the space of five minutes while flanker Donnie Macfadyen sat in the sin bin.

Peel pounced when the ball spilled out of the retreating Glasgow scrum before beating five defenders with his guile and pace for Evans to score just moments later.

Daniel grabbed the bonus point with his second on 52 minutes after winning the race to his own kick and sealed his hat-trick from Matthew Watkins’ pass.

John Barclay and Colin Shaw crossed last as the Scarlets stepped off the gas but that could not spoil a joyful night for the Scarlets.

Scarlets – Tries D Daniel (3), D Peel, G Evans. Cons – S Jones (3).
Glasgow – Tries – J Barclay, C Shaw. Cons – D Parks (2). Drop G – F Leonelli.

Meanwhile the Ospreys came unstuck against Connacht at the Galway Sportground, losing 15-10.

A try from Justin Marshall and a conversion and a penalty from James Hook gave the Welsh region an early lead, but five second half penalties from Mark Mchugh meant the Ospreys left Ireland with just a bonus point.