Williams hat-trick helps Scarlets upset Harlequins

Welsh region the Scarlets upset former English Premiership champions Harlequins with a 26-33 away victory at The Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

Scarlets backs Rhodri Williams, Scott Williams and Jordan Williams all crossed for the visiting side.

One-time semi-finalists Scarlets recorded their first win in their last six
trips to England with a thrilling victory over Harlequins.

Scarlets enjoyed a terrific first-half at Twickenham Stoop which started in
brilliant fashion by an individual try by Scott Williams, who took the ball
inside his own half, broke two tackles, dummied Danny Care and touched down.

Rhys Priestland, who had created the first try, converted to send the Welsh
side in leading 20-10 at half-time.

Nick Evans reduced the deficit with a drop goal four minutes into the second-half
just after Scarlets Samson Lee was sin-binned.

However, Priestland landed two penalties during the 10 minute absence of Lee
to give the visitors a 26-13 advantage only for Evans to score two of his own.

The Scarlets’ more enterprising play was deservedly rewarded with another sparkling
try in the 63rd minute.

Scott Williams turned the ball over, and when it was fed out to Jordan Williams
30 metres out the winger darted down the left touchline, breaking two tackles
and then cut inside breaking another to touch down.

Priestland, faultless throughout the game, converted for 33-19.

However, Harlequins got right back into it with just over 11 minutes remaining
as England fullback Mike Brown scored his second try of the game – Evans converted
to make it 26-33.

Harlequins almost came away with a draw as former England winger Paul Sackey
went over for a try in the corner but his foot was in touch so the try was disallowed.

Harlequins took a losing bonus point from the match but the loss at home will
hurt.

Final Score Harlequins 26 (10) Scarlets 33 (20)

Scorers

Harlequins
Tries – M.Brown 2
Pen – Evans 3
Con – Evans 2
Drop –

Scarlets

Tries – S. Williams, R.Williams, J.Williams

Pen – Priestland 4
Con – Priestland 3
Drop –

Match Officials
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland),
Assistant ref: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland),
Assistant ref: Olly Hodges (Ireland),
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland),
Citing Commissioner: Jean-Claude Legendre (France)

Teams

Harlequins: Mike Brown; Tom Williams, Matt Hopper, Ben Botica, Sam Smith; Nick Evans, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Rob Buchanan, Will Collier, George Merrick, George Robson, Maurie Fa’asavalu, Chris Robshaw (c), Nick Easter

Replacements: Dave Ward, Darryl Marfo, Kyle Sinckler, Tom Guest, Luke Wallace, Karl Dickson, Paul Sackey, Charlie Walker

Scarlets: Liam Williams; Kristian Phillips, Jonathan Davies (c), Scott Williams, Jordan Williams; Rhys Priestland, Rhodri Williams; Phil John, Emyr Phillips, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, George Earle, Aaron Shingler, John Barclay, Josh Turnbull

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rob Evans, Jacobie Adriaanse, Johan Snyman, Craig Price, Gareth Davies, Steven Shingler, Gareth Maule