The Scarlets' Morgan Stoddart tries to get clear of the Exeter Chiefs defence

The Scarlets ended their pre-season friendly programme with a narrow win over Premiership new-boys Exeter Chiefs at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets.

Close-range tries from props Rhys Thomas and Iestyn Thomas took Scarlets into an early lead, then Andy Fenby's fine try made it 17-3 at the break.

Prop Phil John got the Scarlets' final try, but was then sin-binned.

Tom Johnson and Bryan Rennie then got Chiefs tries and Gareth Steenson's kicking set up a grandstand finish.

The match was a tribute testimonial to long-serving Scarlets second-row Vernon Cooper, who came on after 53 minutes.

The Llanelli faithful also got a first look at Samoan international Jonny Fa'amatuainu when the on-loan Bath man came on in the 60th minute.

Morgan Stoddart had an impressive start to the game, but Scarlets fans will have been concerned to see the injury-prone full-back leaving the field in the first half with a hamstring twinge.

Fly-half Rhys Priestland went off in the second half after a knock to his left shoulder.

The Scarlets begin their Magners League campaign away to Benetton Treviso next Saturday.

Scarlets: Scarlets: M Stoddart (D Evans 31); A Fenby, G Maule (J Davies h/t), R King, J Ajuwa; R Priestland (D Ford 74), T Knoyle (G Davies h/t); I Thomas (P John h/t), E Phillips (K Owens h/t), R Thomas (D Manu h/t); L Reed (D Day 60), D Welch (V Cooper 53); J Turnbull (I Thomas 54-60, R Pugh 68), J Edwards (R McCusker 32), D Lyons (capt, J Fa'amatuainu 60).

Tries - R Thomas, I Thoma, Fenby, Johns; Conversions - Priestland (2)

Yellow Card: John

Chiefs: L Arscott; M Jess (P Dollman 51), B Rennie, M Foster, N Sestaret; G Steenson, J Poluleuligaga (H Thomas 38); B Sturgess (B Moon 59), N Clark (S Alcott 54), H Tui (C Budgen 54); T Hayes (capt, D Gannon 47), J Hanks; C Slade (T Johnson 34), J Scaysbrook (A Miller 59), J Phillips (C Slade 70).
Replacements (not used): G Cowley, J Matavesi.

Tries - Johnson, Rennie; Conversion - Steenson (2); Penalties - Steenson (2)

Referee: G Morris (WRU)

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