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Chris Ashton’s late try preserved Saracens’ unbeaten run in the Champions Cup
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Three Dan Jones penalties gave the hosts a 9-5 lead at the break
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Scott Williams try had seemingly won it for Scarlets before Ashton’s last gasp touchdown
A late try from Chris Ashton helped Saracens salvage a 22-22 draw against the Scarlets in the Champions Cup at Parc y Scarlets.
The reigning champions now remain on course for a home quarter-final but the draw denies them a record 14th straight Champions Cup win.
Nevertheless, Sarries remain top of Pool Three ahead of their home match against Toulon next weekend, while Scarlets are still in third place and out of contention ahead of Sunday’s late kick-off between Toulon and Sale.
Dan Jones kicked Scarlets into a three-point lead after eight minutes but quick thinking from Alex Lozowski sent Sarries winger Nathan Earle over for the game’s opening score soon after, 3-5.
England and Saracen’s fly-half Owen Farrell couldn’t convert from out wide and a missed a penalty, which proved costly as Jones landed two more kicks before the break to give the Welsh region a 9-5 lead at half-time.
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Jones extended the home side’s lead after the restart but Chris Ashton, who joins Toulon at the end of the season, was slipped in by Lozowski to dot down the visitors second try with Farrell converting to make the score 12-12.
Centre Scott Williams picked a yawning gap in the Saracens defence with Jones converting to regain the hosts’ lead.
But Scarlets were denied a famous win as Ashton scored with the final play of the game. Farrell then converted to seal Saracens’ progress.
Scarlets: Scott Williams
