Niko Matawalu defied the conditions to produce a scintillating scrum-half display and temporarily propel Glasgow Warriors back to the GUINNESS PRO12 summit with a 22-7 win over the Scarlets. Alex Dunbar, Peter Murchie and DTH van der Merwe all touched down for last year’s beaten finalists, while fly-half Finn Russell kicked seven points in horrid conditions. Liam Williams grabbed the only Scarlets try on the night, while Rhys Priestland could only muster a single conversion from the tee. The Warriors boasted a formidable home record prior to the visit of the Scarlets – winning their last 14 GUINNESS PRO12 games at Scotstoun stadium. But an in-form Scarlets side were certainly not going to go down without a fight having beaten Ospreys 22-10 last time out. From kick-off it was clear the conditions were going to be a telling factor as first Murchie knocked forward a simple pass, before Scarlets lock Jake Ball was guilty of the same error when in possession. Excellent pressure from the Glasgow forwards forced a turnover just inside the Scarlets half on five minutes and after kicking for the corner the home side inflicted a sustained period of pressure. Some slick passing from scrum-half Matawalu almost carved out the first try of the evening and although referee George Clancy brought play back for a penalty, Russell’s kick was blown wide of the target by the wind. A quick break by Matawalu almost unlocked the Scarlets defence soon after but a good tackle from Aled Davies put enough pressure on the Fijian to stop him finding his winger. Scarlets had a penalty of their own on ten minutes but Priestland couldn’t quite match his direction with the strength of the wind as his effort missed right of the posts. The fly-half had another penalty from halfway not long afterwards, although a poor connection resulted in his effort bouncing just inside the Glasgow 22. Josh Strauss thought he had got the game’s first score on 20 minutes, burrowing over the line after several phases of play, but an inconclusive video referral meant referee Clancy couldn’t award the try. The Scarlets defence was standing firm, forcing Russell to try a kick through which was easily cleared by the visitors. But Glasgow’s patience was rewarded on 26 minutes when the ball was moved quickly out wide where Sean Lamont drew the defenders and offloaded to Dunbar, who dotted down for the game’s first points. Russell’s brave attempt at a conversion had no chance in the wind and although Glasgow had their opponents camped in their own 22 for the next ten minutes, it was the Scarlets who stole the lead at the break. A loose Matawalu pass was intercepted and when the ball was recycled Davies found the line of Williams and the full-back held off two challenges to dive over. Priestland added the extras to give the Scarlets a 7-5 lead going into the break but there was an immediate response from the hosts. Glasgow were immediately on the front foot and when the ball was spread wide left to Murchie he finished well in the corner, Russell converting an outrageous kick from the touchline. Scarlets had their first sustained period of pressure on the hour, putting together multiple phases, but the Glasgow defence made tackle after tackle to eventually force the visitors into an error. Russell, now enjoying the strong wind at his back, kicked another penalty on 66 minutes for 15-7 to give his side some breathing space. And that lead was extended with ten minutes remaining as great pressure by replacement Fraser Brown forced Davies to fluff his clearance and with the ball turned over it was Van der Merwe who touched down. Russell kicked the extras, giving Glasgow time to go for the bonus point score, but they were unable to find another try. Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
