Glenn Delaney’s side secured two straight victories over Cardiff Blues and Dragons when rugby returned from lockdown.
It wasn’t enough to earn a PRO14 play-off spot, but now the Scarlets can focus on a trip to Toulon.
“We’re really happy. There is lots to improve on, but we got two from two and 10 points,” captain and hooker Owens said after the Dragons win.
“The boys turned up for pre-season in great shape and we got two good results even with some work ons leading into Europe.
“It’s been strange and difficult for everybody, but I think it has helped us having that European knock-out game. It put a little bit more on the two league games.
“We’re happy we got the job done as we’ve struggled against the Dragons in the last four to five years. We’ve ground out wins or lost very closely. It was good to battle through.”
Owens reached a landmark figure of 250 appearances for the Scarlets against the Dragons.
Prior to the game some of the greats of world rugby sent their best wishes to the Wales and British & Irish Lions forward. It showed the prestige in which he is held across the globe.
KEN'S 250 | Messages of congratulations have come in for Ken from across the rugby world 🌏
Here are a few (with some familiar faces!!) ahead of today's game 👊
Nifer o negeseuon yn llongyfarch Ken ar draws y byd rygbi, dyma rhai i chi pic.twitter.com/F3ilSWrOhx
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) August 29, 2020
“It was a bit of a surprise seeing legends of world rugby like Kieran Read, Rory Best and Jamie George on there. To have those guys speaking about me meant a hell of a lot,” Owens said.
“I respected and watched those players growing up and went into battle with some of them as well.
“I’ve had some really nice messages from people I’ve played with and against over the last 15 years. It’s been incredible. It means a hell of a lot and it’s been touching.”
Owens is fresh and revitalised for the Toulon game after the lockdown period gave him the chance to allow his body to recover from a brutal 18 months.
“If you look at the boys across the Welsh regions and French and English clubs there are going to be a lot who benefit from this break,” he said.
“It’s not going to happen every again touch wood and it’s given everyone time to reflect and recharge after a tough year with the World Cup.
“For me it came at the perfect moment and at the Scarlets I think we nailed the off season.
“Before Covid I was at the point of thinking when I was going to retire, but now I’m just going to keep enjoying it whatever happens. I’m happy to be back playing and I’m enjoying rugby.”
