Jones Stars For The Scarlets

Glasgow Rugby 18 - 31 Llanelli Scarlets Hughenden   Att: 2,345 Referee: Alan Lewis Friday 28th November 2003, 19:30

Gareth Jenkins watched his all-star Scarlet side slide into second spot with a masterclass from Wales outside-half Stephen Jones.

Jones provided 16-points with the boot, and proved a slick link between a Scarlets pack and backline as the Welsh Province proved too powerful for the Scots in a 31-18 victory. Jones' first shot at was inches wide after Andy Henderson wandered offside, but the Wales 10 made amends instantly by setting up the first try for centre Tal Selley, who had plenty of time and space to cruise home from 35 metres out. Glasgow eventually strung together a series of raids, but could only muster a penalty by Calvin Howarth for their efforts. The Scarlets replied through Jones in identical style before tighthead prop John Davies was driven over for their second touchdown, Jones slotting the conversion from a tricky angle. Warriors hit back positively to claw back a brilliantly worked try by wing Sean Lamont. Graeme Beveridge wrong-footed the Llanelli markers with a dash to the narrow side before Lamont ducked inside two challengers to dive across. Howarth slotted the extras to narrow the gap to just five points - only to see Jones bang over his second penalty five minutes from the break. There was still time for Howarth to follow suit from close in the restore the margin. The exchange of penalties continued as Jones completed his treble from virtually under the crossbar. At the other end Howarth shook his head in disbelief as his well-struck long-range shot crashed back off the upright. Jones was on target again five minutes later, and Matt Watkins added try number three, converted by Jones. Substitute Joe Beardshaw ploughed over for a Glasgow try, but it was too little too late. "We started off with real intent, laid a forward platform, played it wide and took our opportunities - the backs looked really sharp," Scarlets team manager told BBC Sport Wales. "It was evenly balanced at half-time, but we took control territorially in the second period to secure a good win. The manner in which we played was very important and everyone involved is delighted. It's all about confidence and winning and with that result we look forward to welcoming Northampton on Friday night."

Glasgow Rugby V Llanelli Scarlets   P D C T Pos Player Player Pos T C D P   Glenn Metcalfe 15 Barry Davies Rory Kerr 14 Garan Evans Graeme Morrison 13 Tal Selley 1 Andrew Henderson 12 Matthew Watkins 1 Sean Lamont 11 Salesi Finau 2 1 Calvin Howarth 10 Stephen Jones 2 4 Graeme Beveridge 9 Dwayne Peel Euan Murray 1 Iestyn Thomas Gordon Bulloch 2 Robin McBryde Lee Harrison 3 John Davies 1 Andrew Hall 4 Vernon Cooper Nathan Ross 5 Chris Wyatt Cameron Mather 6 Dafydd Jones Donnie Macfadyen 7 Simon Easterby Jon Petrie 8 Scott Quinnell Replacements Scott Lawson 16 Phil John Andrew Kelly 17 Aled Gravelle 1 Joe Beardshaw 18 Adam Jones Roland Reid 19 Ian Boobyer Sam Pinder 20 Mike Phillips Dan Parks 21 Gareth Bowen Gareth Maclure 22 Lee Byrne 1 Penalty Tries 0 0

All Pictures: ©  http://www.inpho.ie/, Huw Evans Agency,  Graham Stuart