Scarlets 39-55 Ulster: Welsh side fall short in 12-try thriller as star lands 30-point haul

A 30-point haul from Ulster scrum-half John Cooney proved the difference as the Scarlets fell short in a 12-try thriller in Llanelli.

Dwayne Peel's side managed to notch up 39 points and score five tries at Parc y Scarlets, but they still finished a breathless match 16 points short of their Irish opponents. While a first victory of the season had appeared achievable even late on in Llanelli, a strong finish by Ulster left the Scarlets with just the one bonus point to accompany their defeat.

If the first half could be characterised by Ulster dominance briefly broken up by a spell of Scarlets renaissance, then the second 40 minutes resembled two heavyweights slugging it out, exchanging blows but rarely raising their guard.

Much of the first half was a lesson in physics for those watching on as Ulster imposed themselves with ease. Were you to look for the dictionary definition of 'momentum', you'd likely find Ulster's early carrying listed.

The likes of Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall ran angles that would make Pythagoras blush, setting the platform for a lightning start.

Six minutes in, captain Alan O'Connor forced his way over after strong work from their pack. Within 16 minutes, they had a second.

It was a similar process as relentless carries around the corner presented a small gap for Martin Moore to burrow through. Just like that though, the second act began as the match turned on its head. A turnover handed the Scarlets a rare moment of possession and they made the most of it.

Some smart hands and quick speed of ball enabled them to put Jonathan Davies up against a front-row forward, with the Lions centre winning that mini-battle to cross for their opening try.

No sooner had they scored than they had a second try.