IT IS with much irony that the Scarlets victory arrived from a driving try from a lineout in the closing moments of the match. Edinburgh had dominated that phase of play through Scott Murray and Alastair Kellock. But when it mattered, Chris Wyatt, a replacement, secured the clean possession, waited for the cavalry and Dafydd Jones, another replacement, and another erstwhile Wales forward, claimed the try that Gareth Bowen converted to claim a somewhat fortuitous victory for the relieved Scarlets.

Despite this being only the second pool match of six in this season’s Heineken Cup, it was crucial for both sides. A second defeat for the Scarlets would have effectively ended their interest for this year, but that is the beauty of this competition as the Scarlets turned the tables in those dying seconds to keep this season’s cup hopes alive.

Edinburgh claimed the advantage of the wind in the opening 40 minutes and inevitably play was concentrated deep in the Scarlets’ 22.

The inevitable happened after 15 minutes when Edinburgh drove a lineout to the Scarlets line for Murray to claim the try, Paterson converting superbly from the touchline. It was only in the closing minutes of what had been a one-sided first half that the Scarlets roused themselves with Jonathan Mills, John Davies and Gavin Thomas driving at the heart of the Edinburgh defence.

On the stroke of half-time, clever handling and strong running from Thomas and Dafydd James and good support play from Lee Byrne, allowed No 8 Alex Popham to barge over and claim a superbly worked try.

In a tight second half, Edinburgh went further ahead with another superb penalty from Paterson and he then added another which seemed to have secured Edinburgh’s victory.

Injury time, however, turned the tables when first Bowen slotted a 25m penalty and then his pressure kick of Jones’s try sealed matters for the much relieved Scarlets.

STAR MAN: John Davies (Llanelli)

Llanelli: L Byrne; D James, M Watkins, R King, M Jones (G Evans 78min); G Bowen, L Davies; P John, M Rees, J Davies (M Madden 78min), A Jones (C Wyatt 55min), I Afeaki (capt), J Mills (D Jones 42min), G Thomas, A Popham.

Edinburgh: H Southwell; C Paterson (capt), M di Rollo, P Jorgensen, S Webster; P Godman, R Lawson (J Blackwood 73min); A Jacobsen, D Hall, C Smith, A Kellock, S Murray, M Mustchin (A Strokosch 40min), S Taylor, A Hogg.

Scorers: Llanelli: Tries: Popham, D Jones Con: Bowen Pen: Bowen

Edinburgh: Try: Murray Con: Paterson

Pens: Paterson (2)

Referee: T Spreadbury (England)

Attendance: 6,375