Sarries lose but progress

Saracens earned a place in the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Cup despite slipping to a 36-32 defeat at Llanelli.

The visitors could not afford to lose by more than seven points and achieved that goal, despite slipping 19 points behind early in the second half.

They benefited from two penalty tries - one a definite, the second more dubious - as the Scarlets' exhilerating brand of running rugby came up just short of taking them to a place in the last four.

In a game of wildly fluctuating fortunes, Scarlets built up a 6-0 lead through two Stephen Jones penalties, before a period of Saracens dominance took them ahead for the only time in the match.

Dominate

The visitors began to dominate the contact area and forced Llanelli into a series of breakdown penalties, the fifth in succession earning skipper Simon Easterby a yellow card after 27 minutes.

Saracens immediately took full advantage, being awarded a penalty try by referee Dave Pearson as they attempted to push over a scrum.

Things looked ominous for Llanelli who were creaking up front, but they responded immediately after a quick tap penalty by Stephen Jones in his own 22. Morgan Stoddart burst through a rertreating defence and Scott McLeod scored in the corner.

Fly-half Jones slotted the conversion from the touchline and added a penalty on half time for a 16-7 lead.

The third quarter resembled a sevens match as both sides exchanged quickfire tries; five in all, three to the Scarlets.

More slick handling and a brilliant offload from Dwayne Peel sent Stephen Jones over by the posts before Saracens hit back, Adam Powell's score set up by Gordon Ross' neat chip over the top.

Impressive

Another try from deep from teenage centre John Davies was probably the pick of the bunch, but Garan Evans' superb finish was also pretty impressive.

That stretched the lead to 33-14 and Saracens looked out, but a fine mis-pass by substitute Andy Farrell allowed Kameli Ratuvou to cut the deficit.

A Stephen Jones penalty eased Llanelli nerves but another penalty try - again after an attempted pushover, although this time Sarries looked to have lost the ball before the whistle - set them jangling again.

Saracens were finishing the stronger and two late Farrell penalties, the first for not releasing, the second for offside, cut the deficit to a suitable figure to send them to Twickenham.