The Scarlets overcame their early-season struggles in the BKT United Rugby Championship by securing a hard-fought 31-25 win over Cardiff in a thrilling Welsh regional derby at Parc Y Scarlets. This victory not only marked their first win of the season but also earned them a valuable bonus point, as they avenged their previous defeat at the hands of Cardiff on their home turf.
The game’s standout performance came from Wales World Cup scrum-half Gareth Davies, who was leading his home region for the first time in his illustrious career. Davies not only scored a try but also played a crucial role in setting up another during a second-half resurgence that saw the Scarlets turn the tide in their favor.
Cardiff started the match strongly, with scrum-half Ellis Bevan crossing the try line in the fourth minute, thanks in part to a fantastic break by Wales U20 full-back Cameron Winnett. Tinus De Beer added the conversion to put the visitors ahead.
However, the Scarlets quickly responded, with center Eddie James breaking through to gain valuable territory. This allowed the newly acquired second-row player, Alex Craig, to power over for a try from close range, which was successfully improved by Ioan Lloyd.
Cardiff initially held the upper hand, dominating the scrum, and forcing referee Adam Jones to issue a yellow card to Scarlets loosehead Kemsley Mathias for collapsing the scrum.
Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Cardiff continued to exert their dominance, and discarded Wales prop Rhys Carre showcased his strength by bulldozing his way over the try line. De Beer’s successful conversion put Cardiff in control.
The Scarlets, however, managed to break free from their own half against the run of play, as Johnny McNicholl darted through the Cardiff defense, notching his 45th URC try. Lloyd’s conversion from the touchline leveled the score at 14-14 as the teams headed into halftime.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Cardiff’s forward dominance waned, allowing Gareth Davies to take the spotlight. Davies not only scored a try but also set up number eight Vaea Fifita with an impressive blindside break from a scrum.
Theo Cabango added to the excitement with a remarkable solo effort, covering 70 meters and crossing the try line just four minutes from the final whistle. The game’s intensity surged when Teddy Leatherbarrow was shown a yellow card for a petulant shoulder charge, reducing the Scarlets to 14 players. However, it was the Scarlets who emerged victorious, securing their first win of the season and the well-deserved bragging rights. This thrilling Welsh derby will be remembered for its twists and turns, showcasing the passion and competitiveness of rugby in the region.