Kristian Phillips’ second-half try added icing to the cake for Scarlets as they saw off Welsh rivals Newport Gwent Dragons 26-13 in the GUINNESS PRO12.

The hosts, looking to bounce back after their second draw of the season against Edinburgh last Friday, were in the ascendancy from the outset.

The expert kicking of fly-half Rhys Priestland – who finished the day with 13 points – and a first-half try from Gareth Owen ensured the Scarlets were well on their way to victory at half-time.

That 13-3 lead at the interval was then added to by more Priestland magic from the tee and wing Phillips’ 64th-minute score.

The Dragons could only muster two penalties from Jason Tovey in the opening 71 minutes, and despite Richie Rees’ late score it was Wayne Pivac’s troops who were celebrating come full-time.

The Men of Gwent have never triumphed at Parc y Scarlets and are now without a league win on the road since defeating Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun in November 2013.

But the Dragons, fresh from securing their first win of the season with a 33-15 victory over Benetton Treviso last weekend, were ahead after 11 minutes when Tovey slotted over a penalty.

Scarlets replied with their own penalties and Priestland was successful in levelling the scores three minutes later before notching a second shortly after.

That was the catalyst for intense home pressure and Owen crossed on 16 minutes with a well-taken try and Priestland comfortably added the extras.

Liam Williams had the chance to add to the Dragons’ arrears just before the break with a penalty from halfway but it fell just short and the hosts went in ten points to the good.

Wales international Priestland picked up from where he left off after the restart and notched a 55th-minute penalty before Tovey converted his second penalty for the visitors to make it 16-6.

But the decisive moment came just after the hour mark when Phillips dotted down after a great kick and chase.
Priestland predictably made it 23-6 with the conversion but there was still time for the Dragons to make a fight of it.

Rees got a try back from a line-out drive and Angus O’Brien’s conversion reduced the arrears to ten points, but a late Steve Shingler penalty maintained the hosts’ unbeaten record at Parc y Scarlets in GUINNESS PRO12 matches in 2014.

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