News

Classy Glasgow strike back

Friday 26th September 2008

Controlling figure: Parks landed nine points

Glasgow ran in five tries as they claimed a bonus-point 34-20 win over the Scarlets at Firhill Arena on Friday.

And wing Thom Evans was the star as Sean Lineen's side shook off their slumbers to kick-start their Magners League charge.

Another dose of gloom had looked on the cards as Glasgow made a disastrous start but Evans lit up Firhill with a marvellous two-try display which propelled them to a crucial bonus point.

The Scarlets, who were determined to make amends for their hammering by Edinburgh last weekend, made a stirring start and capitalised on early pressure by surging in front after only four minutes.

They patiently amassed a series of phases before Wales pivot Stephen Jones ducked inside Moray Low to reach the line.

Gradually Glasgow battled their way back into the match only to squander a golden opportunity to level matters.

A thrilling dash by Lome Fa'atau and Evans set up full-back Bernie Stortoni 30 metres out but indecision allowed the Scarlets to backtrack and snuff out the danger.

And there was a further blow for the Warriors midway through the half as the visitors grabbed their second touchdown.

Fa'atau was then robbed just inside his own half, presenting Mark Jones with a cruise to the line. Stephen Jones added the conversion to stretch the gap to ten.

Dan Parks eased some of the jitters by slotting a simple penalty and that was the cue for Glasgow to move into gear at last.

The ball was flashed through at least six pairs of hands before skipper Ally Kellock sent Evans skidding over.

Glasgow should have broken through again on the half hour but Samoan Fa'atau lost possession. The Warriors did step up the pace in the build up to the break, with Johnnie Beattie and Opeta Palepoi going close.

However, the stage was left clear for John Barclay to grab a well-deserved try from close quarters to put the home side in front.

Even better was to come as Glasgow created a wonderful score for hooker Dougie Hall.

Fa'atau made up for his earlier slips by leaving the Scarlets defence for dead with a pin-point chip-and-chase before sending Hall clear with a perfectly-delivered pass. Parks converted to provide another injection of confidence.

They made sure of the precious bonus point with yet another sizzling try by Evans in the wake of a break by brother Max.

But the Scarlets refused to buckle and Mark Jones notched his second to give them a glimmer of hope.

Fly-half Jones added a penalty but substitute Colin Gregor had the last word with a fifth try for Glasgow, which was converted by Parks.

The scorers:

For Glasgow:
Tries: Evans 2, Barclay, Hall, Gregor
Con: Parks 3
Pen: Parks

For Scarlets:
Tries: S Jones, M Jones 2
Con: S Jones
Pen: S Jones

Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Thom Evans, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (c), 4 Opeta Palepoi, 3 Moray Low, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements: 16 Ed Kalman, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Dan Turner, 19 Stevie Swindall, 20 Andrew Henderson, 21 Colin Gregor, 22 Ruaridh Jackson.

Scarlets: 15 Ceiron Thomas, 14 Mark Jones, 13 Regan King, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Morgan Stoddart, 10 Stephen Jones (c), 9 Martin Roberts, 8 David Lyons, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Dafydd Jones, 5 Scott Macleod, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Phil John, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Aled Hopkins, 17 Ken Owens, 18 Vernon Cooper, 19 Nathan Thomas, 20 Sililo Martens, 21 Rob Higgitt, 22 Jonathan Davies.

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: David Changleng (Scotland), John Ferris (Scotland)