LV= Cup: Worcester Warriors too strong for Scarlets

Neil Best scores a late try for Worcester

Worcester took a third-minute lead when, from a ruck inside his own half, lock Chris Jones broke away on a 40-metre run. Scarlets were penalised and Joe Carlisle put the hosts ahead with a 40-metre kick.

That was soon countered by a penalty for Scarlets kicked by Owen Williams and after 11 minutes the same player added another to put the visitors ahead.

Back came the Warriors to tie the scores with a second Carlisle penalty but Scarlets regained the lead with an excellent try from Andy Fenby.

Warriors lost possession in their own 22 for Scarlets to counter-attack swiftly. A long pass from Owen Williams sent Kristian Phillips away and the wing ran 40 metres before kicking ahead to enable Fenby to pick up and score. Williams converted.

Following a line-out in the Welsh 22, two players were sin-binned. Scarlets lock Joe Snyman received his yellow card for illegally pulling down Jones before Warriors captain Dean Schofield picked up his for retaliation in the ensuing melee.

After the break, the hosts declined the opportunity to kick two simple penalties in favour of more attacking options and their pressure was rewarded with a try from replacement Howard which was converted by Carlisle to make it 13-13 with 25 minutes remaining.

The Warriors then produced their best handling movement of the game with Andy Short just being hauled in touch narrowly short of the line.

However the Warriors were not to be denied as replacement Semisi Taulava and Jake Abbott both drove over from line-outs close to the Scarlets line with the tries being converted by Carlisle to emphasise Worcester's second-half superiority.

Scarlets battled to the end and were rewarded when Phillips won the race for the touchdown following a 60-metre kick and chase, but Warriors had the final say with a last-minute try from Neil Best converted by Carlisle.