In a thrilling finish to the United Rugby Championship match, Ellis Mee scored a remarkable try in the dying moments, leading the Scarlets to a hard-fought 27-22 victory over Ulster. This win was particularly significant for the Scarlets, as they had not managed to defeat the Irish side since November 2018, making this victory a much-anticipated achievement that lifted them off the bottom of the league standings.
The game kicked off with an immediate display of Scarlets' determination, highlighted by a powerful tackle from Eddie James against Ulster's full-back Mike Lowry within the first minute. The hosts quickly capitalized on their momentum, with Blair Murray scoring the opening try during their first meaningful attack. Utilizing a well-executed driving maul, the Scarlets created a gap that allowed Murray to glide through and touch down.
Ulster responded vigorously, with Tom Stewart scoring their first try at the 20-minute mark, demonstrating their own attacking prowess. Bryn Ward soon followed suit, adding another try after breaking through Scarlets' initial defenses. With Nathan Doak’s successful conversion, Ulster took a brief lead before the Scarlets regrouped and reclaimed it just before halftime. A quick tap penalty saw the forwards surge forward, resulting in skipper Josh Macleod crossing the line to restore Scarlets' advantage.
After the break, Ulster seemed to gain the upper hand, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Despite having two tries disallowed, they eventually broke through again when Scott Wilson managed to find a way past the resolute Scarlets defense. As the tension mounted, Sam Costelow’s late penalty appeared to give the Scarlets the edge, but Nathan Doak quickly equalized with his own penalty kick shortly after.
As time ticked away, Scarlets found themselves trailing by two points again. However, with the clock winding down, Johnny Williams made a critical break that revitalized the home crowd. Although it initially seemed like the opportunity had slipped away, a high tackle by Werner Kok resulted in a yellow card, granting Scarlets one last chance.
In a dramatic final play, Costelow delivered a sweeping pass to Mee, who skillfully evaded the last defender and sprinted 50 meters to score the decisive try, sealing a memorable comeback victory. This match marked Scarlets’ third win of the season, enabling them to leapfrog Zebre, while Ulster remained in fourth place.
The Scarlets lineup featured notable players including Murray, Rogers, and Costelow, while Ulster boasted talents like Lowry and McCloskey. The match officiated by referee Griffin Colby along with assistants Ben Whitehouse and Carwyn Sion added to the electric atmosphere of this hard-fought encounter.
This exhilarating clash not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also raised pressing questions about consistency and resilience in high-pressure situations. What are your thoughts on the changing fortunes of the Scarlets this season? Do you believe they can maintain this momentum going forward?
