Flanker Johnathan Edwards scored the first try for the Scarlets

A new-look, youthful Scarlets side were made to battle for victory in their first pre-season friendly against an experienced Neath at the Gnoll.

The visitors gave debuts to Ben Morgan, Damien Welch, Jamie Corsi and Gareth Maule, while Kevin Morgan and Nathan Brew were amongst Neath's debutants.

Kevin Farrell got Neath's first try, Jon Edwards replying for Scarlets.

Dan Newton and Arwel Thomas traded kicks, before Lee Williams scored the decisive try for the Llanelli region.

Morgan, Ashleigh James and Edwards all visited the sin bin in an occasionally fractious game.

Neath: K. Morgan; K. James, N. Brew, L. Ford, A. Jenkins; G. McCarthy, K. Farrell (capt); N. Downs, A. Littlehales, M. Jones, E. Evans, N. Edwards, M. Collins, G. Gravell, C. Price.
Replacements: G. King, R. Smith, W. Mitchell, T. James, T. Mabbutt, H. Pugh, A. Lott, A. James, E. Lewis.

Tries: K. Farrell; Con: G. McCarthy; Pen: A. Thomas

Scarlets: D. Ford; D. Daniel, R. Higgitt (capt), G. Maule, I. Evans; D. Newton, L. Williams; P. John, E. Phillips, J. Corsi, D. Welch, A. Shingler, R. McCusker, B. Morgan, J. Edwards.
Replacements: D. Manu, K. Owens, V. Cooper, J. Turnbull, A. Brake, G. Davies, D. Evans, S. Williams, D. Day, L. Reed, M. Roberts, R. Priestland, J. Davies.

Tries: J. Edwards, L. Williams; Pen: D. Newton Drp-gl: D. Newton

Yellow cards: K. Morgan 33, A. James 63 (both Neath), J. Edwards (Scarlets) 63

Referee: Gwyn Morris (Cardiff)

Pre-season schedule for Welsh regions:

CARDIFF BLUES:

Fri 21 Aug - Leicester (h) 1930

Fri 28 Aug - Northampton (h) 1930

DRAGONS:

Fri 21 Aug Worcester (h) 1930

Fri 28 Aug Coventry (a) 1945

OSPREYS:

Sat 22 Aug Leeds (h) 1430

Sat 29 Aug Gloucester (a) 1500

SCARLETS:

Wed 12 Aug - Neath (a) 1930

Sat 22 Aug - Bath (h) 1430

Fri 28 Aug - Bath (a) 1830

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version