DRAGONS overturned an 11-point deficit to stun the Scarlets and record their first ever victory at Judgement Day.
With the Scarlets leading by five points going into the final minutes Matthew Screech bundled his way over the line. The decision was passed on to the TMO who took what felt like an eternity before awarding a try to hand them a famous victory.
“We're delighted with the victory and we got quite a few monkeys off our back today”, said Dragons interim head coach Ceri Jones.
“Scarlets were chasing the winning bonus point and I thought they played very well. It wasn't a victory borne out of luck it was a victory built on hard work.
“It was an interesting discussion at half-time. I don't always lose my temper but I did this time. I told them to try and dominate up front, keep the ball in our hands and show people what we can do.”
A try-double from Screech and further touchdowns from Jack Dixon and Josh Lewis was enough to get the Dragons over the line.
Scarlets scored five tries through Jonathan Davies, Gareth Davies, Ioan Nicholas and a brace from Johnny McNicholl.
Jones' side made life difficult for themselves when Wales wing Hallam Amos was sent to the sin bin for deliberately knocking the ball forward just as the Scarlets were beginning to build some momentum.
Scarlets took immediate advantage as Nicholas rewarded a period of sustained pressure by crossing in the left corner with Halfpenny nailing a touchline conversion.
Wayne Pivac's side were now full of confidence and claimed their second try with Halfpenny spreading the ball to McNicholl who scored with a terrific finish. Scrum-half Davies extended the lead when he squeezed over.
Dragons came out firing after half-time as Screech smashed his way over from short-range with Lewis' conversion bringing them to within four points.
Amos broke on the outside before combining with a one-two with Aaron Wainwright and Amos put Dixon over with an inside pass to send their supporters wild. The Gwent region extended their lead to ten points as Lewis picked off a loose pass from Jones to run in unopposed.
Scarlets lock David Bulbring was then sent to the sin bin for killing the ball on the floor, but his side still managed another try with Davies touching down for their bonus point try.
They then re-took the lead within three minutes as Rhys Patchell put Will Boyde through a hole.
McNicholl claimed his second try with Halfpenny's conversion putting the west Walians further ahead. Dragons were let off when Jonathan Davies had a second try ruled out for blocking.
Screech powered over for his second try with Jason Tovey's conversion putting the Dragons ahead. Scarlets won the kick-off and pushed hard for the win with a late drop-goal from Patchell going wide.
“I'm bitterly disappointed”, said Pivac. “Their try was the right decision but I was more concerned about the try we had disallowed because it should have been called back for a penalty.”
TEAMS
DRAGONS: J Williams 6; Kirchner 6 (Rosser 66), Warren 6, Dixon 7, Amos 7; Lewis 8 (Tovey 66), R Williams 8 (Knoyle 76); Bevington 6 (Harris 61), Dee 7 (Hibbard 73), Fairbrother 7 (Brown 62), Davies 7 (Basham 66), Screech 7, Evans 7, Wainwright 7, Moriarty 8
Not used: M Williams
SCARLETS: Halfpenny 6; McNicholl 8, J Davies 7, Parkes 6 (Fonotia 69), Nicholas 6; D Jones 5 (Patchell 57), G Davies 7 (Hardy 71); W Jones 5, Owens 6, Lee 5 (Kruger 66), Bullbring 6, Cummins 5, Boyde 7, Macleod 6 (Thomson 50), Cassiem 6
Not used: M Jones, Price, Helps
REFEREE: Ben Whitehouse
ATTENDANCE: 51,297
Star man
Aaron Wainright – Dragons
