THE SCARLETS regional side ran riot to score 13 tries against a brave Narberth side, writes Mike Walters.

As one of the feeder clubs in the region, the division one club tasted glory briefly as they scored two late first-half tries.

With seven internationals in the starting line-up it only took 30 seconds for the first try to be scored as the Scarlets put their rigorous pre-season preparations to good use.

Director of rugby Gareth Jenkins was pleased with the game and the entertainment provided for the large crowd.

"It was a good exercise in that, from a regional point of view, to come down and play one of our feeder clubs and also we had a chance to look at local talent and get a game under our belts," Jenkins said.

"There were a lot of combinations we tried out for the first time. We have had a good training environment and I was pleased with a lot of things in the game.

"Aisea Havili looked extremely sharp and I was happy with the skill level and the general fitness."

A summer signing, the strong-running Tongan will undoubtedly frighten defences during the winter with his pace and strength as he scorched over for four tries.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips also looked sharp as he collected two tries, one a 40-metre dash from the base of a scrum.

The deeds of the departed Stephen Jones could be quickly forgotten as fly-half Gareth Bowen is set to step into the limelight.

His running was decisive as he raced over for a try and converted four tries in the first half. Cheeky grubber kicks also contributed to two tries for lively hooker Aled Gravelle.

Canadian prop Jon Thiel showed pace on a 30-metre, try-scoring touchline run.

For Narberth, full-back Sion Brace had a memorable afternoon in the sunshine as he collected a brace of well-worked tries.

Ironically, the 13th and last Scarlets' try was scored by former Narberth scrum-half Chris McDonald and was greeted by ironic cheers from the home supporters.

For coach Jenkins the disappointment of being overlooked by his own country has not diminished his enthusiasm.

"We are well prepared for the season and our ambitions are as big as ever. Winning the Celtic League last season has inspired us to make sure we can defend it and make progress to the later stages of the Heineken Cup."

Jenkins currently has no plans for his summer holidays next season, but he has no doubts where he would like to be.

"Sir Clive Woodward has been in contact and will announce his Lions coaches in September. It will be the highlight of my career if it happens. It is the pinnacle of any coach to be involved with the Lions coaching team."

Narberth: Tries - S Brace (2); con - G James

Llanelli Scarlets: Tries - A. Havili (4), M Philips (2), A. Gravelle (2), G Bowen, J Thiel, M Bowen, S Finau, C McDonald; cons - G Bowen (4), A Thomas (5).

'Canadian prop Jon Thiel showed pace on a 30-metre, try-scoring touchline run.'

-Magnifique!

The boys had a well played pre-season match.  I also like the look of our newly signed hooker Matthew Rees, it looks as though Aled Gravelle may have some competition ahead!

Every player should have some cult status/mania etc as they all wear the beloved Scarlets jersey 

Scarletprincess wrote: The boys had a well played pre-season match.  I also like the look of our newly signed hooker Matthew Rees, it looks as thought Aled Gravelle may have some competition ahead!

Good news - enjoyed the days rugby in sunny Llangennech too.