Ospreys 17-15 Scarlets as it happened

1. Ospreys tries from Aisea Natoga and Dan Lydiate, converted by Dan Biggar
2. Scarlets score five penalty kicks to Ospreys' one
3. Scarlets' Emyr Phillips, Rhys Priestland and Harry Robinson went off injured, as did Ospreys' Eli Walker
4. Ospreys are aiming to win their ninth league home match in a row
5. Scarlets have not beaten Ospreys in Swansea since 2007

That's it for today

Thanks for reading and listening - especially those of you in far-off sunny places around the world. We hope we gave you a feel of a dark and chilly day in Swansea enlivened by a full-blooded derby.

The Welsh regions are back in action on New Year's Day when the Dragons take on the Blues at Rodney Parade fresh from their win at Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day.

That match is live on Scrum V on BBC Two Wales and online from 14:00 GMT on Thursday, 1 January.

Then the Scarlets and Ospreys do it all again at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, 3 January. You can listen to that live on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, as well as online with kick-off at 17:05 GMT.

Until then, so long and - as we say in these parts - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

Former Wales captain Emyr Lewis

Ex-international Emyr Lewis says: "The weather in the first half was atrocious for playing rugby.

"It wasn't a very good spectacle for the fans. You want to show them an exciting brand of rugby but we didn't have that this afternoon.

"Scarlets demolished Ospreys' scrum and I'm sure the other sides in the league will have seen that and they will target Ospreys there from now on."

Injury concerns

I wonder what impact the injuries will have on next Saturday's match.

Scarlets will be desperate to get Wales hooker Ken Owens back into action after Emyr Phillips picked up a nasty-looking arm injury late in the game today.

Huw Evans picture agency

Rhys Priestland leaves the field

And fly-half Rhys Priestland will be another concern.

For the Ospreys another injury to the ever-unlucky Eli Walker will be a major worry. If the wing had as much luck as he has talent then he unquestionable would be a Wales international by now.

Your thoughts

Nerys Owen tweets: "Think we need to find a pair of props before next week's game #ospreys"

Rhydian Thomas writes: "Good game and closer than expected. Appreciate a half-decent referee next time though (I'm available, and am cheap)."

Rebecca Williams says: "The hope of winning had utterly killed me, but we can take them next week #Scarlets"

Andrew Priestley adds: "That was a great derby match! Two very evenly matched teams playing at full throttle, fantastic physicality shown from both sides."

What a nail-biter that was

Wow, that was a real cliff-hanger as the Scarlets turned tradition on its head with a dominant scrum display, but it was not enough to claim a second win at the Liberty Stadium.

Huw Evans picture agency

Dan Lydiate on the charge in the second half

Ospreys did not manage a point in the second half, but move back to the top of the Pro 12 - but they have to face the Scarlets away next Saturday. Don't expect it to be any less tense.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

"It was well fought from Scarlets. It was just a typical derby.

"We said it would be a whitewash before the game, but it certainly wasn't that. On to next week."

Full-time: Ospreys 17-15 Scarlets

Clock is red. Ospreys clinch it - only just as Rhys Webb wallops the ball into the crowd.

Ospreys almost there

But the Scarlets mess it up in midfield and Dan Biggar hacks the ball down to the Scarlets 22 where it's taken into touch by a defender. Less than a minute now and it looks like the Ospreys will hang on.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

Asked whether Ospreys deserve to win, Garin Jenkins says: "They've had a couple of decisions go for them at the contact area, but I suppose overall they have worked hard for this."

Scarlets lineout

Scarlets try to play out of their own 22 and the ball goes into touch off an Ospreys foot on half-way. Less than two minutes to go.

Emyr Phillps departs injured

Kirby Myhill takes his place.

It's a nail-biting finish

But they knock the ball on and the Scarlets will get a chance to get out of their own territory. The clock is stopped with less than three-and-a-half minutes remaining

Ospreys fighting back

Owen Rawlings

Four minutes to go. Ospreys go on a rampaging rolling maul deep into the Scarlets 22.

Messages from abroad

You're a globetrotting lot...

Paul Bowen tweets us: "Keeping up to date with the rugby on the BBC website, with rubbish internet in a dusty hot room on the outskirts of Dubai".

Catrin Lisa is even further away with some noisy birds, though not ospreys: "One positive about these screaming Cockatoos is that I'm up watching the #ospreysVscarlets game from Sydney. Come on the Ospreys!!"

Liam Aubrey: "Reading the live text from the Mosel valley, hoping the ospreys can hold on!!!"

Martin Sloman: "Following the commentary on the web site. More of this kind of intensity week in week out would be great for the Welsh national teams!"

Julie Moseley: "Watching Ospreys/Scarlets from my home in Singapore, 3:00am already, go head the O's."

Ospreys hanging on

But it comes to nothing as Emyr Phillips is isolated and the Ospreys pounce for a turnover by James King.

Scarlets go for it

Great meandering run by Steffan Hughes sets up an attack for the visitors.

Turn up for the book

And a penalty to the Ospreys at the scrummage. Big relief for the home team. But then Dan Biggar misses touch with his penalty clearance.

Scarlets attack

And the new scrum-half's kick leads to a knock on by Aisea Natoga after a great turnover in the Scarlets 22. Fine attacking platform for the visitors now. A penalty would give them the lead.

Get involved

Brett has emailed us from Lanzarote: "Keeping fingers crossed for an Ospreys win....it is certainly a close one! Seasons greetings to all in Wales."

I bet it's warmer over there, Brett!

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All change

Huw Evans picture agency

Scarlets' Aled Davies gets the ball away

Rhodri Williams on at scrum-half for Scarlets as Aled Davies gives way.

Big 11 minutes

Just over 11 minutes to go and the crowd of 15,632 is making a good din. It's a tense one.

Scarlets dominant

Scarlets have had 58% of possession since the break. Great comeback after a rough first half.

Penalty for Scarlets (S Shingler) Ospreys 17-15 Scarlets

Steven Shingler nails the kick - just two points in it with 15 minutes to go.

Penalty chance for Scarlets

Get involved

Ian has emailed from across Europe: "Season's greetings from me here in Germany. You are real diehards. I'm amazed they're playing at all in that weather."

Owen Rawlings

True festive Welsh weather! Even Ospreys' mascot is feeling a little chilly...

Any other rugby fans following the game from abroad?

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Ospreys chaos

Moldovan Dimitri Arhip kicks the ball on and when it's sent back with interest Rhys Webb gets in Dan Evans' way and the full-back knocks on. Attacking scrum for Scarlets on the Ospreys' 22.

Scarlets on top

Huw Evans picture agency

Twenty minutes to go and the Scarlets are stopping the Ospreys playing - winning a penalty even after Alun Wyn Jones robs their lineout throw-in.

Nick Webb

BBC Radio Wales commentator

"The Scarlets need to keep as much of the ball in the scrum as possible - that's the one area where they have the upper hand."

Penalty for Scarlets (S Shingler) Ospreys 17-12 Scarlets

Scrummage pummels Ospreys again. Penalty chance for Steven Shingler who chips it over.

Close call

This is not as clear-cut as the Pro 12 table suggests it should be. Scarlets have made an impressive start to the second half and the scrum is a real weapon for them now as they turn over an Ospreys put-in to gain an attacking platform.

Get involved

Rebecca Williams tweets: "Referee has absolutely no clue at the scrum. Samson [Lee] is pummelling them #Scarlets

Cerith Evans says: "Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar are on fire #cmonOSPREYS"

Andrew Priestley writes: "Scarlets are a great attacking side, if only they could learn how to defend consistently well. It's the only thing holding them back #ScrumV"

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Scarlet fever

The Scarlets are warming to their task here, with their scrum posing all sorts of problems for the Ospreys.

Williams' class is clear

Liam Williams is showing why some in Wales think he should be starting at full-back for the national team with Leigh Halfpenny moving back to the wing. Super tackle on Natoga resulting in a turnover penalty for the Scarlets.

All quiet on the western derby front

As you'll gather from the TMO discussion here, it's a low key start to the second period.

Mr Bevan's pedigree

Of course Derek Bevan - today's TMO - has a pretty impressive CV. He refereed the 1991 World Cup final between England and Australia.

TMO silence

We've had five minutes of the second half and no TMO discussion yet!

Get involved

Gareth John Bale (not the Real Madrid man by the way) has tweeted his summary of the first half: "Kick off. Bit of rugby. TMO. TMO. TMO. Cup of tea. TMO. Kick. TMO. TMO. Bit of rugby. TMO".

That's about right, I'd say.

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Penalty for Ospreys

Biggar is going for goal from the half way line after a Scarlets scrum is penalised.

Huw Evans picture agency

But he doesn't have the distance as the kick falls well short.

Lydiate is awarded the try

So it wasn't Dimitri Arhip under that pile of bodies - it was Wales international Dan Lydiate marking his debut with a try for the Ospreys.

Owen Rawlings

Don't panic Scarlets fans - it's still only 17-9!

Here they come

The teams are coming back out for the second half. Will Ospreys be back on top of the table tonight or will the Scarlets cause a shock.

BBC Radio Wales Sport commentator Nick Webb deserves special praise - he commentated on the whole first half with a sock on his hand after losing his glove.

We're a resourceful bunch.

It's an intriguing battle

Huw Evans picture agency

Rhys Webb delivers a pass

Ospreys asked most of the questions in that half with Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Webb showing their international pedigree.

Liam Williams has handled most of what's been thrown at him on a wet and cold day, and the power of the Scarlets' scrum is giving them a finger-hold in the match.

Half-time: Ospreys 17-9 Scarlets

Scarlets see-off a wave of Ospreys attacks just before the clock turns red. Only eight points in it at the interval

Ospreys bouncing back

Great work by Dan Evans and Dan Biggar. Attacking lineout time.

Penalty for Scarlets (S Shingler) Ospreys 17-9 Scarlets

Steven Shingler is on target from less than 20 metres.

The score was set-up by another dominant Scarlets scrummage.

Scarlets challenge

Six minutes to go before half-time. Can the Scarlets hit back?

Try for Ospreys (Arhip) Ospreys 17-6 Scarlets

Owen Rawlings

Can anyone see the try? Referee Mitrea can!

The Ospreys pack drive the Scarlets over after fine play by Rhys Webb sets up an attacking lineout. Dimitri Arhip is claiming it. Derek Bevan can't see. But referee Mr Mitrea awards the touchdown. Dan Biggar converts.

Ospreys piling it on

Nine minutes to go to the interval as Ospreys turn up the heat.

Converted try for Ospreys (Natoga) Ospreys 10-6 Scarlets

BBC Sport

Aisia Natoga touches down with his first touch of the ball after Hanno Dirksen makes good headway after loose Scarlets play. Biggar converts. Natoga is on for the injured Eli Walker.

Tipuric stars

Kristian Phillips is worked clear by a superb Steve Shingler kick but Ospreys open side Justin Tipuric pulls off a sensational tackle and turnover. It's low scoring, but not short on excitement and skill.

Get involved

Andrew Priestley tweets: "As an Ulster season ticket holder I've watched all of the Welsh regions regularly. Scarlets always seem to be the pick of the bunch. #ScrumV"

Where are the rest of you watching from?

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Williams so solid

Liam Williams is a rock under the high kicks from Rhys Webb. And after his recovery to prevent Tyler Ardron scoring is an early man of the match contender. But there's a long time to go yet.

Webb returns

Rhys Webb is back on with a developing black eye.

Great Scarlets scrummage

Scarlets turn over an attacking Ospreys scrum under the posts, and boot the ball clear. Big psychological boost.

No try

Owen Rawlings

Derek Bevan says it's held up by a recovering Liam Williams. No try for Ospreys, scrum five.

TMO Decision

Owen Rawlings

Tyler Ardron drives over after a Liam Williams clearance is charged down. They go upstairs.

Robinson depart

But there's another injury replacement for the visitors as wing Harry Robinson goes off to be replaced by Steffan Hughes.

Penalty for Scarlets (S Shingler) Ospreys 3-6 Scarlets

Steven Shingler takes over the kicking and boots one over from the 10 metre line. And the Scarlets are back up to 15 men. Result for the team in red.

Priestland departs

Blow for the Scarlets as Rhys Priestland limps off to be replaced by Steven Shingler.

Priestland is very slow to depart, but it does not look like a blood bin replacement.

Scarlets resisting

Scarlets have conceded only three points during the period down to 14 men. Can they hang on?

Get involved

Huw tweets: "That's a shocker, never a yellow card"

But Simon says: "Italian ref got that wrong. Definitely a red card for a tip tackle. He lifted legs and drove him down."

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Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

"Nothing has really got going yet, play has been quite fragmented."

A bit like the start to yesterday's game then!

Rhys Webb off

Ospreys' Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb departs for a blood injury. Martin Roberts is on - but probably not for long.

Communication breakdown

Huw Evans picture agency

Referee Mr Mitrea was having difficulty hearing the TMO Derek Bevan. He seems to be happy now that they can hear each other. Crucially he couldn't hear Mr Bevan during the discussion about Kristian Phillips' tackle on Dan Evans so had to make up his own mind by watching the big screen in the ground.

Priestland concern

Worryingly for Scarlets Rhys Priestland receives treatment before the restart. He was substituted last time out against the Blues with a leg injury.

Where are you watching or listening? Let us know

And with the rain driving down at the Liberty Stadium, are you in the warm and dry or braving the elements at home or abroad?

Maybe on a tablet or smartphone delivered by Father Christmas?

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Penalty for Ospreys (Biggar) Ospreys 3-3 Scarlets

Dan Biggar is on target from 30 metres.

Yellow card for Scarlets

Owen Rawlings

Kristian Phillips is in trouble for a late tackle on Dan Evans - referee Marius Mitrea issues a yellow card. Was it a spear tackle?

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

"It's great to see Rhys Priestland putting kicks over from that distance from a Wales point of view.

"That was a great hoof from a massive, massive distance."

Penalty for Scarlets (Priestland) Ospreys 0-3 Scarlets

Owen Rawlings

And Rhys Priestland nails the 40 metre-plus kick superbly.

Singing in the rain

Scarlets fans are making a decent fist of Sospan Fach as their team win a penalty. Rhys Priestland is going for goal.

Weather watch

What sort of weather would you expect in a west Wales rugby derby?

You've got it, vertical rain with intermittent sleet.

Handling will be a challenge.

Scrum time

BBC Sport

First scrum results in a free kick for the Scarlets. Let's hope referee Marius Mitrea gets on top of that quickly.

What do you think? Let us know

Faye James tweets: "Woop . . . Derby time!!!! C'mon Ospreys!!!"

Huw Lewis writes: "Ospreys v Scarlets is on and I am going to the panto #ohnoheisnt"

Jamie Cribb adds: "Let's see who's the best club in welsh rugby #Ospreys #Number1"

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Ouch

Regan King gets the ball and Hanno Dirksen at the same time. Merry Christmas!

Here come the Ospreys

Alun Wyn Jones leads out the Ospreys accompanied by AC-DC's Back in Black.

Let's rock, I think is the appropriate comment.

We're nearly ready

The Scarlets are out on the pitch.

Lydiate's debut

Today's match is a notable one for Dan Lydiate, who makes his debut for the Ospreys on the blind-side.

Lydiate is playing for the first time since returning to Wales from France and agreeing a national dual contract.

Huw Evans picture agency

He couldn't have chosen a better match!

More than pride at stake

A win for the Ospreys will take them back to the top of the Pro 12 table.

They were top going in to Christmas but a win for Munster over Leinster on Boxing Day and today's Glasgow victory over Edinburgh saw them drop to third place without kicking or passing a ball in anger.

Extra incentive - if any were needed - for the Scarlets against their greatest rivals.

What the coaches have to say

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac:

"The reason Ospreys are at the top of the table is that they're very consistent and solid, they have some very good leaders within that team.

"Everybody has talked about it since I've been here; everybody has been saying 'just wait until you get to the Ospreys game'. It's going to be exciting."

Steve Tandy of the Ospreys:

"This is the big one as far as the supporters are concerned and it's fantastic that there's going to be the biggest crowd for two years at a regional rugby ground, keeping the Christmas derby tradition well and truly alive.

"This is a derby that really impacts on people's everyday lives, with family, friends and workmates supporting opposite sides and there'll be a great atmosphere at the Liberty."

Happy return for Regan?

Huw Evans picture agency

And speaking of the result in the match in 2007, when the Scarlets won their only game against today's rivals in Swansea, Scarlets centre Regan King is the only player from either of today's team who played in that match.

Is that a good omen for the Scarlets?

The New Zealander is pictured - appropriately enough - in front of the Loughor Bridge that spans the divide between today's competing rugby communities.

Get involved

No doubt you're all still working through your turkey leftovers, so make yourself another festive sandwich and settle down for what promises to be a cracking Welsh derby at the Liberty Stadium.

Dragons gave their supporters a Christmas treat yesterday, surprising Blues at Cardiff Arms Park.

But can Scarlets deliver another away win this evening? Or will Ospreys cruise to the top of the Pro12 table?

Get in touch and let us know. Kick off is just ten minutes away!

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It's an Ospreys win ... on paper!

The form book and history both point to a win for the Ospreys.

Scarlets have beaten their nearest rivals just six times in 22 meetings with their only win in Swansea the 14-9 victory on 11 September, 2007.

The Ospreys are third in the Pro 12 table - 13 points ahead of the Scarlets who are seventh.

Today's teams

Ospreys: Dan Evans, Hanno Dirksen, Ashley Beck, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Marc Thomas, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip, James King, Alun Wyn Jones (Capt), Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Tyler Ardron.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Daniel Suter, Rynier Bernardo, Sam Lewis, Martin Roberts, Sam Davies, Aisea Natoga.

Scarlets: Liam Williams, Harry Robinson, Regan King, Hadleigh Parkes, Kristian Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Aled Davies, Rob Evans, Emyr Phillips, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, George Earle, Aaron Shingler, John Barclay (captain), Rory Pitman.

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Lewis Rawlins, Will Boyde, Rhodri Williams, Steven Shingler, Steffan Hughes.

Hello and welcome to festive derby No3

Ospreys and Scarlets are neighbours divided by rugby loyalties.

It's about 15 miles by road from the Liberty Stadium in Swansea to Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, if you use the M4.

However, the distance between the mythical rugby creation of Ospreylia and Scarlets' home county of Carmarthenshire is little more than 100 yards - the width of the river Loughor where it is spanned by the Loughor Bridge.

Which side of the river you were born on will determine which side you are supporting today.

100 yards? It may as well be a 100 miles!!

Welcome to Ospreys v Scarlets - the third instalment of Welsh rugby's festive derby sequence.