Jones stars in Scarlets win
Stephen Jones kicked 17 points today
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Saturday, 20, Dec 2008 08:12
The Scarlets moved up to fourth in the Magners League with a comfortable 27-13 win over a weakened Cardiff Blues side this evening.
Wales fly-half Stephen Jones kicked 17 points and scrum-half Martin Roberts and prop Phil John scored the tries as the Scarlets registered their first win at new home Parc y Scarlets.
Cardiff scored a try from winger Richard Mustoe, but Jones' brilliant kicking proved to be the difference between the two teams.
With little hope of winning the title, Cardiff decided to give a rest to key players Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Tom Shanklin, Andy Powell and New Zealand stars Ben Blair and Paul Tito, ahead of a potentially long run in the Heineken Cup.
The Blues actually led early on as the exciting Leigh Halfpenny kicked two penalties in reply to an early three-pointer from Jones.
The Scarlets were on the verge of scoring the opening try after Regan King intercepted a pass from John Yapp, but Halfpenny was the hero for the Blues as he put in a superb try-scoring tackle.
But the Scarlets were not to be denied a few minutes later when full-back Rhys Priestland ripped through the Blues defence before off-loading the ball to scrum-half Roberts to dive over for the opening try.
The Scarlets looked to be home and dry when John powered his way to the try-line from only a few yards out. And when Jones added the conversion, the Scarlets had a big 18-6 lead.
But the Blues showed some fight and scored a try through Mustoe. Ceri Sweeny added the extra two points and the Blues were only five points behind. But Jones made the points safe for the home side as he kicked three late penalties.