Ospreys claim dramatic victory over Scarlets with last-gasp try

A last-gasp Iestyn Hopkins try secured a dramatic 23-22 victory for the Ospreys over arch rivals Scarlets in Swansea.

The Scarlets thought they had it in the bag only for Wales star Jac Morgan to win a penalty deep in the home side's 22 with seconds remaining which laid the platform for Hopkins to score at the death. Dwayne Peel's side held what looked like a commanding 19-8 lead at the interval and were made to rue missing two kickable penalties from Ioan Lloyd.

But the Ospreys showed tremendous character to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to end a turbulent week with a vital derby win. Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley made the controversial decision to part ways with popular head coach Toby Booth at the start of the week after a disappointing start to the season.

Former Wales wing Mark Jones took charge six months earlier than expected and he has clearly made a big impact. Tries from Sam Parry, Justin Tipuric and Hopkins earnt the west Wales bragging rights for the hosts. But the Scarlets, whose only try came from the impressive Ellis Mee, will feel as though this was one which got away from them.

The hosts started strongly with a period of sustained pressure but the Scarlets defence refused to lose its shape as the Ospreys lay siege to their line. Jones' side very nearly broke the deadlock when Jack Walsh sliced open the Scarlets' defence only to be stopped by an excellent try saving tackle from Tom Rogers. They had to settle for three points from Dan Edwards' boot.

The Scarlets thought they had claimed the first try of the game when Ioan Lloyd touched down, but the score was ruled out due to a forward pass but the visitors levelled the score from Lloyd's boot. Peel's side looked the more dangerous team with ball in