CELTIC LEAGUE Edinburgh Gunners (12) 35: Tries: Webster (2), Smith, Strokosch Cons: Paterson (3) Pens: Paterson (3) Scarlets (8) 18: Tries: M Jones, D James Pens:Bowen, Harcus Att: 2,123

Chris Paterson's three penalties and three conversions were vital.

Simon Webster, twice, Craig Smith and Ally Strokosch were the try scorers for Edinburgh, who dominated early on.

Mark Jones and Dafydd James replied for Llanelli, while Gareth Bowen and Mike Hercus kicked the other points as the Welsh pressure failed to claim a win.

The visitors had missed an early chance when Bowen made a complete hash of an easy penalty.

And Edinburgh quickly rattling up 12 points in as many minutes.

Webster reached the target in the wake of a tapped penalty by Mikey Blair and prop Smith dived over from close quarters.

Paterson added the extras, making amends for an earlier conversion attempt that had struck the woodwork

Llanelli kick-started their challenge with a penalty by Bowen, followed by a superb touchdown from Jones, who finished clinically after a slick handling sequence.

The Scarlet piled on the pressure in the opening stages of the second half.

Edinburgh managed to stem the tide, but they suffered another setback when substitute Ally Strokosch was sent to the sin-bin for playing the ball in an offside position.

Play became disjointed and scrappy again with both sides making mistakes galore.

And, in the inevitable spate of penalties, Paterson landed three in quick order, while substitute Mike Hercus could only reply with one.

There was a flurry of tries in the dying minutes with Strokosch and Webster scoring for Edinburgh and James for Llanelli.

They were converted by Paterson and Hercus respectively.

Edinburgh: Southwell, Paterson, Di Rollo, Jorgensen, Webster, Godman, Blair, Dickinson, Kelly, Smith, Kellock, Murray, Mustchin, Hogg, Taylor.
Replacements: Dey for Di Rollo (40), Leonelli Morey for Jorgensen (69), Lawson for Blair (69), Jacobsen for Smith (69), Duley for Kellock (69), Strokosch for Hogg (45). Not Used: Hewett.

Llanelli Scarlets: Byrne, M. Jones, King, G. Evans, D. James, Bowen, Peel, I. Thomas, Rees, J. Davies, Cooper, Wyatt, Afeaki, D. Jones, Mills.
Replacements: Hercus for Bowen (55), John for I. Thomas (64), A. Jones for Cooper (28), Edwards for D. Jones (74). Not Used: Hawkins, Stuart-Smith, G. Evans.

Referee: Olan Trevor (Munster)