Scarlets 29 20 Cardiff Blues

Stephen Jones ends his Scarlets career on high as he helps his side claim a bonus point win against the Blues.

The Scarlets came into this Welsh derby needing at least a bonus point win to have any chance of reaching the Pro12 play-offs. They had a nightmare start, as a turnover enforced by Welsh international Gethin Jenkins allowed Andries Pretorius to take advantage of hesitant Scarlets defending to score in the corner. Ceri Sweeney added the extras to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead. A Rhys Priestland penalty narrowed the Blues lead to 7-3. It took a miraculous try-saving tackle from Sean Lamont to prevent Harry Robinson from increasing the Blues score. Gareth Davies' converted try provided optimism for the Scarlets that they could achieve their four try requirement, but with Josh Navidi at the forefront, the Blues were proving difficult to break down. The Blues regained the lead at the start of the second half as Alex Cuthbert scored a well-worked try. Excellent handling between backs and forwards enabled Davies to score his second of the game and send the home side into a 17-12 lead. A try from Robinson levelled the scores at 17-17. Blues replacement Dan Parks then kicked his side into a 20-17 lead. Welsh legend Stephen Jones was given a deserved standing ovation from the sell-out Parc Y Scarlets when he was substituted with 15 minutes to go. The Scarlets all-time points' record holder will bring the curtain down on a 15 year association with the Welsh region at the end of the season. The Scarlets bonus point came curiosity of a Lloyd Williams score and a penalty try which put them into an unassailable 29-20 lead with just minutes remaining. Despite the win, the Scarlets are unable to qualify for the play-offs as Glasgow beat Connaught to secure fourth place.