Prop Paul James scores twice as Ospreys beat Scarlets

Opreys prop Paul James scored twice as his side achieved a hard-fought 21-14 win over the Scarlets in the Welsh derby at Parc y Scarlets on Boxing Day.

James, who was later named Man of the Match for his efforts, scored either side of half time as the hosts fell to their seventh loss in nine outings.

Three second half penalties from Dan Biggar gave the visitors a commanding lead, despite trailing 9-7 at halftime. The match was competitive though, as the first capacity crowd at the new stadium lifted the Scarlets to a late try through Johnathan Edwards, helping them pickup a losing bonus point.

James dived over for his first try after a promising attack from Tommy Bowe and Dan Biggar led to a lineout. The prop picked up the scrappy ball and sniffed out the tryline with the attacking instinct of a wing.

His second was just as impressive, as he found himself stationed out wide before the ball arrived at his toes, which he judged beautifully, before the big dive over the whitewash.

Great effort from the big guy, and an enjoyable match overall.