In Bourgoin, Llanelli were left kicking themselves for conceding three early tries, eventually going down 54-38 in a high-scoring thriller as French clubs continued their terrific start to the Heineken Cup.
International fly-half Stephen Jones slotted 28 points in a perfect display of goal-kicking to get the Scarlets back into the match, but the 64th-minute sin-binning of big winger Salesi Finau for a high tackle – hardly the first of his career – proved costly. Bourgoin fly-half Benjamin Boyet kicked 26 points to keep his side in front throughout.
At Rodney Parade, Newport’s horror season continued with a 19-34 loss at the hands of French side Toulouse – the 11th straight loss under new coaches Leigh Jones and Richard Hill.
Home flanker Jason Forster didn’t help matters with a yellow card for a stupid late tackle, but his try after a superb rolling maul gave his side a 19-14 lead at the break.
It wasn’t enough, however, and tries to Fabien Pelous and Cedric Pelous retained Toulouse’s 100 percent record in the tournament as the Amber and Blacks were held scoreless in the second 40 minutes. A late red card for Toulouse centre Xavier Garbajosa for two yellow-card infringements had no impact on the outcome.
With several Newport players vowing not to shave until the team wins, it’s a hairy time for Black and Amber fans.
Ulster proved too tough at home for Cardiff, with replacement winger Scott Young celebrating his first Heineken Cup match with a try on the stroke of halftime to set the home side on their way to a 25-6 victory.
The loss effectively ends Cardiff’s hopes in the tournament after a first-round home loss to Biarritz.
In Scotland, Glasgow’s Tommy Hayes kicked 16 points to lead his side to a 26-14 win over Sale Sharks.
The English visitors led 8-0 early through a Stu Pinkerton try, but regular penalty goals from Cook Islands international Hayes gave the Scots the edge, with man of the match, lock Jason White, chiming in with a crucial first-half try – his second in a week
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