Llanelli struck a massive blow in the battle for Heineken Cup places as they tamed Neath in Saturday's derby The Gnoll.

Former Welsh All Blacks flanker Ian Boobyer scored the crucial try for the visitors when he forced his way over five minutes before half-time.

The result ensures Llanelli stay in control of their own destiny, while Neath now have to rely on others if they are to make next season's Heineken Cup and the home side can have no complaints about the result.

They had produced a dominant forward show against Bridgend the previous weekend, but Llanelli refused to concede anything up front.

Impressive

For the Scarlets, fly-half Stephen Jones has a masterful game, while Boobyer and Scott Quinnell made ground up front.

Gareth Morris stood out for Neath with a series of surging runs from full-back.

The second half was scoreless as the two sides met each other with some crunching tackles after Llanelli had built their match-winning lead on the strength of a resolute forward show in dismal conditions.

The visitors surprised Neath by winning a healthy supply of possession for Leigh Davies and Dafydd James, with the pair helping set up the game's only try.

A superb break by Davis was taken on by James before Brett Sinkinson brought the Wales International down in the shadow of the home post.

Boobyer then followed up to claim the score, which was converted by Jones.

Scorers - Neath Pens: Miller.

Llanelli Try: I Boobyer. Cons: S Jones. Pens: S Jones.

Att: 4,500

Teams - Neath: Gareth Morris, Kevin James, James Storey, Tristan Davies, Shane Williams, Greg Miller, Patrick Horgan, Duncan Jones, Mefin Davies, Andrew Millward, Steve Martin, Gareth Llewellyn, Kati Tuipulotu, Rowland Phillips, Brett Sinkinson.
Replacements: Geraint John, Dylan Pugh, Andy Boothe, Richard Francis, Nathan Bonner Evans, Andy Howell, Steve Jones.

Llanelli: G Evans, M Jones, D James, L Davies, S Finau, S Jones, G Easterby, P Booth, R McBryde, J Davies, V Cooper, C Gillies, D Hodges, I Boobyer, S Quinnell (capt).
Replacements: M Madden, M Thomas, C Wyatt, M Buckingham, D Peel, A Lawson, M Cardey.

Referee: Rob Davies.