An impressive away European performance from an injury-stricken Scarlets side gave them the bonus point in an exciting, all but one-sided, affair at The Recreation Ground last night.
Bath (3) 17
Tries: Banahan 58', Mercer 74'
Cons: Burns x2
Pens: Burns
Scarlets (22) 35
Tries: Beirne 11', Asquith 25', Parkes 32', Williams 51'
Cons: Jones x3
Pens: Jones x3
I thought that the result of this game was more than decided before the whistle, and expected Bath to come out of the blocks and completely dominate Scarlets on the field and in the scoreline. In reality, it was the complete opposite case, with Scarlets playing with flair and tenacity.
Scarlets have set themselves up for a potential Pool Five decider against three-time European Champions and French heavyweights Toulon in the next round, next weekend.
A brilliant try from Tadhg Beirne, and more tries coming from winger Paul Asquith, and Wales internationals Scott Williams and Hadleigh Parkes, eventually set Scarlets up to win 35-17 and grab the bonus point - an incredibly commendable victory by a commanding advantage.
John Barclay, who will be leaving Scarlets and heading to Edinburgh at the end of the season, was sent to the bin just past the hour mark and it seemed that momentum might have been shifting into Bath's favour. However, Scarlets broke through from their own half to set up a brilliant Hadleigh Parkes try and even with only 14-men, they looked dominant.
Bath's European hopes have been slightly dented, and they will have to hope that they can go and get 5 points away at Benetton and that either Scarlets or Toulon aren't capable of getting any points next weekend. So not over yet, but looking less comfortable.
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