UNHAPPY START FOR SCARLETS

Scotland’s Chris Paterson notched up 16 points as Edinburgh stunned the 2004 Celtic League Champions to claim their first ever win at Stradey Park. Paterson dived over for a first-half try and kicked 11 points as the Scottish side got their league campaign off to a spectacular start.

The Scarlets, with seven players making their competitive debut, promised much early on and led 10-3 late in the first half, but they faltered badly in the second period and, despite a stirring finish could not stop themselves going down to a hugely disappointing opening defeat.

The Scarlets had to endure some early pressure and it was Edinburgh skipper Paterson who put his side into a 14th-minute lead with a penalty from straight in front.

The home side’s response, though, was impressive with new signing Regan King cutting apart the Scottish midfield to set up full-back Barry Davies for the game’s opening try. King, a former All Black signed from Stade Francais in the summer, oozed class early on, although the Scarlets failed to make the most of his creativity.

Ex-Sale Sharks fly-half Mike Hercus kicked the Scarlets into a 10-3 advantage as Paterson saw yellow for deliberate offside, then Gunners No. 10 Phil Godman failed with a chance to reduce the arrears soon after. However, with Paterson back after his enforced break Edinburgh finished the half as they started it, on the offensive, with the skipper diving over a minute before the break.

A Paterson penalty three minutes after the restart pushed the visitors back in front as they sensed a first victory at Stradey Park and their positioned was strengthened further when scrum-half Mike Blair crossed just before the hour, racing 40 yards unopposed to the line. It was a converted score that stunned the home crowd and the Scarlets never recovered.

The lead was stretched to 11 points with a third Paterson penalty as the home side began to press the self-destruct button. But a second try of match for Barry Davies, set up by clever work by scrum-half Clive Stuart-Smith prompted a tense finale. However, despite all their efforts the Scarlets were unable to breach some stubborn Scottish defence and it was the visitors who deservedly celebrated a famous victory at the final whistle.