As the international players returned to bolster the Scarlets squad, it was Ulster who gathered momentum in the opening minutes and gained territory quickly. However the Scarlets, keen to show their intent early on, hit back with a storming run by Llandovery RFC and Scarlets winger Joe Ajuwa in only his second game for the region. The ball came back via a long pass from scrum half Tavis Knoyle to outside half Rhys Priestland, who found winger Andy Fenby. His strength and speed took him galloping over the try line for early points on the board. Priestland converted successfully to secure a seven point lead for the Scarlets.

Ulster hit back just as quickly and looked to have scored a try in the far corner but the pass was deemed forward. The Irish were also keen to stamp their authority early on and opted for a kick to corner.
Both sides played for territory and passed the ball out wide, which made for exciting play and plenty of entertainment for another high-spirited Scarlets home crowd. The Scarlets were twice penalised for a knock on as the quick ball and wide passes didn't quite make it to the hands.

The visiting side opted for a drop goal as the clock ticked by fifteen minutes but the ball went wide of the uprights.
With his first start of the season full-back Dan Newton caught a high ball deep within his own 22 and cleared to touch. Ulster opted for the quick tap and ran the ball straight back into Scarlets territory.
From a scrum in the Ulster half the charge was led by the forwards and number eight David Lyons put scrum-half Knoyle on a 40-metre run to the line, dancing around two Ulster tacklers. The conversion narrowly missed the uprights. Scarlets 12 Ulster 0.

A Scarlets line out just short of the Ulster 22 was won cleanly by second row Dominic Day, returning to the field after a routine ankle injury and achieving the milestone of 50 caps for the Scarlets, and started a charge by the Scarlets toward the try line. With the referee playing advantage for the Scarlets, Priestland took the opportunity to kick for a drop goal. The ball went wide, the home side were awarded a penalty and Priestland secured the three points on this occasion.
Scarlets continued to dominate both possession and territory, however Humphreys kicked a long-range penalty in first-half injury-time to reduce the lead at the break to 15-3.

Half time score: Scarlets 15 Ulster 3

It was Ulster who came out for the second half and secured the first points after the interval. Following a strong start by the Scarlets in the opening phases the ball fell into Ulster hands and outside half Paddy Wallace crashed through and over the try line to reduce the home side's lead.

After persistent warnings by the referee for professional fouls Ulster's flanker David Pollock was sent to the bin for 10 minutes.

British Lions and Wales hooker Matthew Rees came off the bench for his first appearance since the injury he suffered whilst training for Wales during the Autumn Internationals.

The Scarlets were playing a quick style of game and showed what they are capable of. Lock Dom Day charged through Ulster tacklers but was stopped within the 22.

Moments later scrum-half Knoyle made a great individual break deep from within the Scarlets half, he kicked the ball ahead but couldn't quite get there in time. The attacking game was flavour of the half and the Scarlets charged towards the Ulster line once again led by Knoyle.

Having gone through numerous phases - moving closer to the Ulster try line, the try came out wide for Priestland who impressively finished off and went on to convert the try.

Scarlets 25 Ulster 8

The Scarlets continued to rule the pattern of play for the second quarter of the half with some opportunities evident which they were unable to finish off, unfortunately missed out on a bonus point win but delighted with an impressive home win and a valuable four points.

Magners League Man of the Match: Tavis Knoyle