RaboDirect PRO12: Scarlets get the job done at Zebre
The Scarlets maintained their push for a RaboDirect PRO12 play-off berth thanks to a 24-10 win over Zebre on Friday.
Last Updated: 22/03/13 8:47pm
Liam Williams and Johan Snyman scored a try either side of half time for the visitors, while Owen Williams kicked four penalties and a conversion.
Giovanbattista Venditti and Andries Van Schalkwyk crossed for Zebre, whose record in their first season in the league now reads played 18, lost 18.
A tight opening ten minutes saw few opportunities forthcoming for either team, before van Schalkwyk crashed over for an unconverted try to put Zebre in front.
Owen Williams cut into Zebre's lead minutes later with a coolly struck penalty goal, and Scarlets had the lead by half-time courtesy of a second Owen Williams penalty and the visitors' first try of the game.
The TMO ruled the score for Liam Williams after the winger nipped over from short range and, though the conversion was missed, Scarlets held an 11-5 lead at the interval.
Ten points in the ten minutes following the restart put the visitors in an even more commanding position, with Owen Williams getting the ball rolling on 45 minutes with his third penalty goal of the evening.
Snyman's try minutes later, converted by Owen Williams, made it 21-5 to Scarlets and the hosts were left with a mountain to climb.
The cushion became larger when Owen Williams added another penalty, but Zebre were able to stem the tide just short of the hour when Venditti crashed over for the hosts' second try.
Remarkably, the game finished two tries apiece, though Scarlets' territorial supremacy was evident throughout and, though the visitors were unable to add to their lead, they were full value for their eventual 14-point winning margin.