Scarlets edge Ulster by 16-13 in close encounter

Scarlets 16-13 Ulster, Llanelli

Scarlets have managed to remain their position in the top four after defeating Ulster by 16-13 in a hard-fought Pro 12 clash in Llanelli on Friday.

Fly-half Dan Jones got the proceedings going for Scarlets with two penalties but Ulster responded with Ireland international Paddy Jackson scoring a three-pointer in the 16th minute.

Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale got his team into the lead with a try in the 20th minute and Jackson's conversion stretched the gap to four points.

The fly-had scored his second successful penalty just at the stroke of half-time as the visitors ended the first 40 minutes with a 6-13 lead.

Scarlets fought back in the second half with Jones scoring his third penalty and they soon went into the lead with a penalty try owing to World Rugby's new rules on high tackles.

It was Ulster number eight Sean Reidy, who performed a high tackle on Scarlets scrum-half Aled Davies near the try line resulting in a penalty try for Scarlets and a yellow card for the 24-year-old.

Even though, Jones conversion took Scarlets to three-point lead they lost their lock Jake Ball temporarily when he was sin-binned two minutes later Davies' infringement.

Tight defence from the Welsh side allowed them to safeguard their three-point lead in the final quarter resulting in a heartbreak for Ulster.