Having lost to Bayonne in the opening fixture, the Scarlets came into the match looking for a result to kick-start their European campaign and avenge Black Lion’s shock victory In Llanelli in last year’s competition exactly a year ago.
This time around, a statement bonus point victory was achieved with Captain Josh Macleod scoring two tries, whilst Gareth Davies, Johnny Williams and Archie Hughes also crossed.
Black Lion had responded with tries from Luka Ivanishvili and Mikheil Babunashvili, but the game itself was swayed in the Scarlets favour in the 41st minute. The turning point being a red card for lock Lado Chachanidze ending any realistic hope for the Georgians as the Scarlets turned the screw.
Impressive number eight Vaea Fifita was a catalyst for the win – outstanding in attack and in the line-out as the Georgian’s discipline would come unstuck with the West Wallians roaring to victory and up to third in the pool.
“It was the game we expected. It was a difficult and physical match,” said Peel post-match.
“We started brightly before we let them back into the game, it became a bit of a scrap but we collected ourselves well at half-time and we were clinical and that is the growth in this group.
“The driving maul was very good. We had some good opportunities and, in the end, it was job done and we got the five points.
“We were clinical when we needed to be at home, and it was a good solid performance.
“We got to Gloucester next, [in Europe] and it’s a brilliant place to go. We will be excited about it and I’m sure we will have a big travelling support to go up there.
“I’m really excited to have got that done and to now move on to the derby next weekend.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
