Llanelli Scarlets made the most of their first game in hand to close the gap at the top of the Magners League to a single point. But the result was overshadowed by an injury to Simon Danielli that will leave him sidelined for several weeks.

Scottish international Simon Danielli was rushed to hospital immediately after scoring a try where he was diagnosed with a fractured cheekbone.

The injury sealed a frustrating evening for the Borders in which they made all the early running but could not turn pressure into points. Ciaron Thomas edged the Scarlets ahead with a penalty.

Calum MacRae replied in kind after failing to score a seeming certain try, and added the extras to Danielli’s try.

Jon Mills scored a try for the Scarlets, converted by Thomas, but a second MacRae penalty had Borders ahead at the break.

Thomas equalised in the 50th minute, and as the tension grew he made no mistake with two further penalties to give the visitors another win.