Scarlets 29 - 24 Dragons: Jones on target as Scarlets resist Dragons' fightback

A PERSONAL contribution of 19 points from Wales outside-half Stephen Jones helped the Scarlets to a Magners League victory over their Welsh rivals at Parc y Scarlets.

But the home side had to mount a comeback as the Dragons, who earned a losing bonus point, led at half-time thanks to two tries from Richard Fussell and then rallied at the end.

There was only one side in it in the opening exchanges as the Scarlets breezed into a 10-0 lead after nine minutes as they produced some of their best rugby of the season.

First Regan King showed his class by rounding two tackles to go over on seven minutes for a converted try before Jones planted a penalty for a high tackle on scrum-half Martin Roberts. A

gainst the run of play the Dragons scored two converted tries through Fussell in the space of 11 minutes and, after a Shaun Connor penalty, took a 17-10 lead into the break.

After that the Scarlets began a comeback, starting with a Jones penalty, then a try for prop Phil John just before the hour mark to put the hosts ahead by 20-17.

After three more Jones penalties on 60, 64 and 68 minutes, Connor converted his own try to cut the lead to 29-24.

But the Scarlets held on in the last six minutes to secure the victory.