David Lyons in action against Blues
Huw Evans Picture Agency
27 September 2009, 2:34 pm ::
By by web editor
Lyons disappointed not to close out Cardiff game
Vice captain David Lyons, who played another influential game for the Scarlets at this weekend's big Welsh derby said: "You've got to give credit to Cardiff, the way they controlled the early parts of the game. But we knew that if we could get into the game we could do a lot of damage and we showed that - but we didn't really get much opportunity in the first 50 minutes.
"We hung in there and knew our chance would come and when it did, we gave it everything we had. But a couple of turnovers in the end and a few bad decisions meant we lost the opportunity to score that try. We were pretty disappointed that we didn't close out another game that we could have won."
Blues Head Coach, Dai Young acknowledged that his side nearly lost the game in the last 15 minutes as they handed the momentum to the visitors, paying credit to the Scarlets for their passion and commitment.
He said:"A lot of credit should go to the Scarlets and they are a really proud bunch, once they sensed a little bit of an opening, they were in there really. We could have lost it in the end there, but for 65 minutes we were the better team."
Nigel Davies confirmed that Stephen Jones would be fit for the Scarlets next game against Ulster away on Friday. Player coach Simon Easterby suffered a slight jarring of his knee and went off midway through the first half and Mark Jones had a dead leg, so was taken off as a precaution.
Asked what influence Stephen Jones would have in returning to the Scarlets team, Davies said: "Obviously Steve has a huge amount of experience, his kicking is second to none and he brings a real composure and understanding to the team. It's not only what he does on the field, it is what he contributes off the field as well and is hugely respected by all the guys and he does boss games particularly well."
The Head Coach was quick to praise Rhys Priestland who he said was gaining in stature with every new game.
"I think Rhys's game is evolving quickly, it is growing all the time and there were large parts of the game tonight when he played really well. We are trying to build up his confidence because when he plays with confidence he is as good as anyone."