Saracens finish pre-season with 26-14 win over Scarlets

Scarlets 14 - 26 Saracens, Llanelli

Saracens completed their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 26-14 win over Scarlets under the lights at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

The wet conditions made the contest difficult for both sides, with clear scoring chances limited during the first half. Scarlets struck first through Eddie James, but Saracens responded with four tries to secure the win and build momentum before the start of the Gallagher PREM season.

Scarlets Strike First In Wet Conditions

Both teams needed time to adjust to the conditions, and the early stages were tight. Saracens came close inside the opening 20 minutes when Rotimi Segun was held up over the line by the Scarlets defence.

The home side then made the breakthrough when James crashed over to give Scarlets the lead.

Saracens responded strongly. Olly Hartley powered over a few moments later to bring the visitors level. A break from Nick Tompkins later forced Scarlets into defensive trouble, and Ellis Mee was shown a yellow card for slowing the ball at a ruck. From the resulting pressure, Eoghan Clarke scored from close range just before half-time to give Saracens a seven-point lead at the break.

Saracens Pull Clear After Break

Saracens started the second half with the same control they had shown before the interval. George Martin crossed after a clever tap-penalty move, with Owen Farrell adding the conversion.

Scarlets’ discipline then cost them again, and Saracens took advantage from another tap-penalty move. This time Sione Va’enuku scored, continuing his strong pre-season run with a third try in three games.

Scarlets Try Comes Too Late

Scarlets cut the gap inside the final 10 minutes when their pack worked hard for a close-range try, which Gareth Anscombe converted to reduce the deficit to 12 points.

But Saracens held firm in the closing stages to complete a useful away win in their final pre-season fixture.