Priestland kicks Bath to 13-18 win over Scarlets

Scarlets 13-18 Bath Rugby, Parc y Scarlets
Scorecard

Fly-half Rhys Priestland kicked six penalties to help Bath Rugby maintain their winning streak in the ongoing season of the European Rugby Champions Cup with a 13-18 victory over Scarlets on Friday.

Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker Ken Owens returned to lead Scarlets as Wales boss Warren Gatland was viewing the game from the stands.

Bath headed into the game without the South African back-rower Francois Louw, who was suspended for three weeks for making a contact with the eye of Benetton forward Marco Fuser.

Priestland started the proceedings for Bath with back to back penalties against his former team but their lead was cut down to three points with fullback Leigh Halfpenny kicked a penalty of his own in between the two three-pointers.

Halfpenny launched another counter-attack that paved the way for Scarlets' first try that came through winger Steffan Evans and the fullback's conversion meant the home side claimed a four point lead. Priestland kicked two more penalties in the closing stage of the first half as Bath bounced back to gain a slender 10-12 lead at the end of the first half.

Priestland further extended Bath's lead with two more penalties in the 55th and 68th minutes to eight points. A desperate effort from Halfpenny with his second penalty that came in the 73rd minute provided Scarlets with some hope but Bath held on to their lead and completed a five point victory.

The win has taken Bath to top of Pool 5 while Scarlets are positioned third.