The Scarlets new boys to enjoy a run-out included centre Gareth Maule, wing Sean Lamont, prop Rhys Thomas, lock Damien Welch and flanker Richie Pugh. There were also chances to shine for youthful talent such as fly-half Dan Newton and hooker Emyr Phillips. Their efforts were bolstered by the experience and expertise of established pro's such as skipper Mark Jones, prop Iestyn Thomas and backrows Dafydd Jones, Simon Easterby and David Lyons.

The Rec's visitors went down 5-3 but went close to winning the friendly with a couple of unsuccessful late penalty kicks.

Running out to a torrential downpour, the spirit of the Scarlets and their Guinness Premiership opposition was not dampened and the first 10 minutes saw Bath foiled by a strong defence. As the Scarlets built an attacking platform, centre Rob Higgitt fed Lamont on his right and Mark Jones who made a break only to be denied 10m short by defensive cover.

In the 20th minute, Bath were penalised for failing to roll away and, as thunder began to roll above, full-back Daniel Evans clocked three points with a penalty kick. As the rain continued to cascade down, Bath went back on the attack and on the half-hour New Zealander Joe Maddock - last season's leading Guinness try-scorer - touched down. Fly-half Ryan Davis missed the conversion.

The rain eased as the second half opened but the high tempo remained. Effective Scarlets defence kept the hosts at bay then the visitors went close to scoring as Pugh chip-and-chased from the 40 metres showing great pace. Bath wing Matt Banahan managed to pull him down short of the line.

Bath centre Tom Cheeseman went close as did Wales cap Evans who was wide with a penalty kick at the start of the final quarter and wide with a 30m last-minute penalty.


Attendance 3,500

Referee Dean Richards (RFU)