Exiles anger as Henson suffers cheekbone woe; London Welsh demand talks with Scarlets over Gav injury.

SCARLETS L WELSH 23 TRIES: A Fenby (2), S Williams CON: J Williams; PENS: A Davies (2) 17 TRIES: L Beech, J Holmes CONS: G Ross, S Jewell PEN: S Jewell LONDON Welsh are ready to demand talks with Scarlets officials to express their anger and disappointment at the incident which led to Gavin Henson fracturing his cheekbone.

The double Grand Slam winning Wales star underwent surgery yesterday and will be sidelined until mid-October following a challenge by Scarlets prop Deacon Manu.

The news comes as a huge bs low to Henson, who was looking to kick-start his career, and also to London Welsh who saw him as the big-name fly-half to get their Premiership campaign off to a flier.

Instead, injury-plagued Henson faces another period on the sidelines after X-rays showed he broke his cheekbone in three places.

London Welsh hope Henson can return to training within three weeks, but accept he won't be playing for them for at least six.

Henson was clattered by Manu in the first minute of the Scarlets' 23-17 victory in Saturday's friendly clash in Llanelli.

Henson was able to carry on briefly after receiving treatment, but was replaced shortly after the half-hour mark and taken to nearby hospital.

Privately the Exiles are fuming at the loss of their star player and they plan talks with Scarlets chiefs in the coming days.

No action was taken by referee James Jones against Manu and it is unlikely that any citing will take place.

But London Welsh intend reviewing the incident and letting the Scarlets know what they think.

Managing director John Taylor, a member of the great Welsh 1970s side, said: "We're quite upset with what happened and it certainly wasn't what Gavin needed.

"I haven't seen the video yet and don't want to say too much. We will have a look at it at the beginning of the week and speak to the Scarlets if necessary. We will deal with it internally between the two clubs." London Welsh coach Lyn Jones must do without Henson for this weekend's Premiership season opener against Leicester and for a number of matches beyond that.

"We will just have to be patient and deal with it," said Jones. "These are things you've got to deal with in rugby. You've got to deal with thunderbolts the whole time.

"No player wants to get injured in a pre-season friendly. It' s hugely frustrating because of the hard work that has been done leading up to the start of the season."

The Scarlets grabbed a last gasp win in the game, but predictably the after-match talk and headlines were dominated by You Know Who.

The controversial star had been handed the No.10 jersey for the Exiles' debut season in the Aviva Premiership.

London Welsh managing director John Taylor said: "The X-Rays showed Gavin broke his cheekbone in three places but luckily they were small fractures.

"They manipulated every thing back into place but he didn't need any metal work.

"He was a bit groggy when I spoke to him but was upbeat and just cursing his most recent does of bad luck. "Hopefully he will be back playing in six weeks and training in two or three weeks."

Referee James Jones and his touch-judge had discussions shortly after the incident but no action was taken at the Scarlets were only penalised for being offside in midfield. The former golden star of Welsh rugby had spoken of his determination to do his talking on the pitch as he yet again attempted to relaunch his tarnished career.

henson had his contract terminated by the Blues in April following a booze-fuelled incident on a flight from Glasgow.

It was just the most recent off-field saga to blight Henson, who has courted so much controversy throughout his career.

But he looked at home back on the pitch and displayed some neat touches upon his return to Wales.

The Exiles twice had the opportunity to kick at goal but opted to back their set-piece on each occasions and were ultimately unsuccessful as the Scarlets stole possession.

The hosts also passed up on their own opportunity to turn early pressure into points but they got the scoreboard ticking on 13 minutes with an Aled Thomas penalty.

A shaken Henson could have drawn Welsh level three minutes after but, to the delight of the Parc y Scarlets crowd, he was denied by the left upright.

Referee Jones was demonstrating little empathy to either side and the game struggled to get into any flow due to his incessant use of whistle.

He ran out of patience on the half-hour mark and yellow-carded Manu following a succession of penalties at the scrum.

From the subsequent penalty Henson was once again off target, this time striking the right post. The Exiles managed to regain possession but they were turned over under the posts and the Scarlets surged down field on the counter.

Andrew Fenby raced down the left wing and was dragged down on the edge of the 22. But the hosts went through the phases and Fenby popped up on the opposite wing to collect Tavis Knoyle superb inside offload.

Henson departed following the try, but the Exiles hit-back with Lee Beech driving over from close range following a series of quick-fire pick and drives with Gordon Ross converting.

However, the Scarlets had the last word in the half and Fenby crossed the whitewash for his second on 40 minutes after Gareth Maule and Josh Turnbull combined. Thomas quickly got the scoreboard ticking once again with a penalty following the restart to stretch the Scarlets lead before the Exiles fought back.

CAPTION(S):

* Andy Fenby touches down for the Scarlets against London Welsh * Gavin Henson receives treatment for a cheekbone injury during London Welsh' clash with the Scarlets