Jake Ball: Wales lock returns to action in Scarlets friendly
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Wales second row Jake Ball made a long-awaited return to action for the Scarlets on Saturday, eight months after injuring his shoulder.
The 27-year-old lock came on in the second half of Scarlets' 28-19 pre-season win over Bristol Bears at Carmarthen Park.
Ball had not played since Wales' autumn international against New Zealand.
Full-back Clayton Blommetjies scored a brace on his Scarlets debut having signed from Cheetahs.
There were also debuts for Uzair Cassiem, Ed Kennedy, Kieron Fonotia, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Kieran Hardy.
Scarlets' other tries came from Tom Lewis and a penalty try awarded by referee Nigel Owens, with Jordan Crane, Luke Daniels and Alapati Leiua crossing for the visitors.
Blues comfortably beaten by Chiefs
Cardiff Blues were beaten 38-10 by last season's English Premiership finalists Exeter Chiefs.
Outside-half Steven Shingler gave them the lead at Sandy Park, before the Chiefs hit back with tries from Sam Simmonds, Matt Kvesic, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ian Whitten, as well as a first-half penalty try.
Former Ospreys prop Dmitri Arhip made his Blues debut, while Wales lock Rory Thornton got his first start since his loan move from the Liberty Stadium.
There was no place for former Blues wing Alex Cuthbert in the Chiefs side following his move to Devon-based side last season.
Hibbard's first start
On Friday, Wales hooker Richard Hibbard made his first start for the Dragons in their 41-10 home defeat to Northampton Saints.
Aaron Wainwright returned to the back row after making his international debut on Wales' summer tour.
Fly-half Josh Lewis scored the game's first points with a drop-goal before Wales scrum-half Rhodri Williams touched down.
Saints controlled the rest of the game crossing for six tries from Ken Pisi, Cobus Reinach, David Ribbons as well as a hat-trick for hooker James Fish.
