Rugby Union: Llanelli hunger for small game

Newport. . . . .10

Llanelli. . . .79

A RUTHLESS Llanelli scoring machine churned out 11 tries to underline the gulf between themselves and all the opposition so far. The Scarlets bulldozed Newport as easily as they did Bridgend the week before: each time the opposition's aspirations have been left in tatters. Llanelli have now scored 26 tries in three league games.

To say it was a complete and compelling display of 15-man rugby is not to detract from the linchpin role played by the fly-half Colin Stephens with his 39 points and three tries.

Llanelli took full advantage of the revalued five point try, many of which came from the backs working overlaps after the ball had been swiftly exchanged around the team and on all parts of the park.

Phil Davies was immense at lock, dwarfing even Emyr Lewis and Tony Copsey, while Ieuan Evans has recovered his searing pace and zest. What Llanelli have gained this season is 'small match' temperament. Last year they were unbeatable on the big day but vulnerable in the run of the mill games.

Newport played reasonably but a sledgehammer is no weapon against the speed of a rapier. Their problem may be that with the absence of Paul Turner at fly- half they have little alternative in their armoury.

Only Swansea can push the Scarlets from centre stage, and their chance comes at Stradey Park next Saturday.

Newport: J Westwood; S McCracken, R Bidgood, K Orrell, A Lewis; M Yendle, K Lee; M Davies, A Peacock, M Thomas (S Duggan, 78 min), A Allen (D Waters, 45 min), M Arthur, A Carter (G Pugh, 56 min), K Withey, G George (capt).

Llanelli: I Jones; I Evans (H Williams, 65 min), N Davies, N Boobyer, W Proctor; C Stephens, R Moon (capt); R Evans, A Lamerton, D Joseph, P Davies, T Copsey, M Perego, E Lewis, L Jones.

Scores: Stephens (pen, 5 min) 0-3; I Evans/ Stephens (try/con, 8 min) 0-10; Moon/Stephens (try/con, 25 min) 0-17; Stephens (pen, 30 min) 0-20; Stephens (try/con, 32 min) 0-27; I Evans (try, 34 min) 0-32; L Jones/Stephens (try/con, 38 min) 0-39; A Lewis (try, 41 min), 5-39; I Evans/Stephens (try/con, 47 min) 5-46; Stephens (try/con, 50 min) 5-53; Proctor/Stephens (try/con, 60 min) 5-60; Bidgood (try, 73 min) 10-60; Stephens (try/con, 75 min) 10-67; Stephens (pen try/con, 83 min) 10-74; Joseph (try, 84 min) 10-79.

Referee: G Simmonds (WRU).