Scarlets thrash Leeds

Llanelli Scarlets got their EDF Energy Cup campaign back on track with a 59-19 thumping of Leeds Carnegie at Stradey Park.

Scarlets boss Phil Davies made nine changes after his side lost their opening Group D game against Bristol, and his side enjoyed a much better evening as they put Leeds to the sword.

Teenage full-back Daniel Evans made an immediate impact on his first start with a try after just three minutes, one of two he bagged during Llanelli's eight-try haul.

Stephen Jones was restored to the starting line-up and he was flawless with his conversion kicking with eight out of eight, while he also added a penalty.

Before the match there was a minute's applause in memory of Ray Gravell, the

Scarlets president who died suddenly on Wednesday aged 46, while Llanelli players had the name 'Grav' embroidered into their shirts and wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

After Evans had made an early breakthrough, flanker James Bater crossed the line before Mark Jones snuck away from a ruck to run in unopposed, and move that even fooled referee Tony Spreadbury.

21-0 behind after just 17 minutes, Leeds eventually answered when winger Tom Biggs grabbed a try, but Alix Popham crashed over for the bonus-point fourth try for Llanelli at the end of the half to give the home side a commanding 31-7 lead at the break.

Biggs grabbed a second try for Leeds four minutes into the second half as he touched down his own kick, but the Welsh side responded again with Iestyn Thomas going in at the corner for a 38-12 lead.

Forwards Scott MacLeod and Simon Easterby both got their names on the scoresheet with tries and Evans scored his second while Jones went to 19 points with his conversions.

John Hepworth grabbed a late consolation for Leeds, but they continue to struggle after conceding 40 tries in eight games.

The emphatic win gets Llanelli's EDF Energy Cup campaign back on track after their opening defeat, and gives coach Davies a welcome win over his former club.