Tries from Gareth Owen and Kristian Phillips helped the Scarlets get the better of Newport Gwent Dragons in their Guinness Pro12 derby.
Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland converted both scores and added three penalties as the west Wales region bounced back from surrendering a handy lead at Edinburgh last weekend and climbed to fifth in the table with their 26-13 victory.
Richie Rees got a late try for the visitors, with Jason Tovey and Angus O’Brien kicking their other points as the Men of Gwent fell to a 13th straight away defeat against a fellow Welsh side.
It proved a difficult afternoon for the visitors, and they were given an early let off when Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips could not hang on to the ball after charging down Tovey’s attempted grubber.
A solid scrum yielded a penalty which allowed the former Cardiff Blues number 10 to put them ahead, only for Priestland to quickly reply with two penalties of his own, the latter of which was well won at the breakdown by John Barclay.
Harry Robinson had an opportunity to extend the home side’s lead I the 18th minute when he seized Taulupe Faletau’s pass and set off for the line, but he was chased down by Dragon scrum-half Jonathan Evans.
The Scarlets did not have to wait long for their first try though. Liam Williams made the initial break and when Scott Williams shrugged off Aled Brew’s tackle the centre put midfield partner Owen over.
It proved to be the last score of the half, which ended with referee George Clancy electing to take no action after a hefty aerial collision between Liam Williams and Hallam Amos.
The Scarlets piled on the pressure at the start of the second half, with Amos making a crucial interception and Nic Cudd winning a crucial turnover to keep them out.
Priestland added another penalty to put his side 13 points to the good before Phillips sealed the win, outpacing Tovey to the touchdown after Owen had hacked through a dropped ball from the Dragons.
Replacement scrum-half Rees got a consolation score for the Dragons after a controlled rolling maul.
O’Brien added the extras but Steven Shingler ensured the home side had the final word with his penalty.
