Scarlets dug deep to claim a dramatic first BKT United Rugby Championship win of the season, seeing off Cardiff 25-19 in front of a packed house at the Arms Park.
The West Walians built up a 12-point advantage going into the final 15 minutes, only to be reduced to 13 men with the sin-binning of Tom Rogers and skipper Josh Macleod.
With Cardiff awarded a penalty try, it needed an incredible try-saving cover tackle from Blair Murray to keep the Scarlets’ lead intact, then some dogged defence on their own line to see out the game.
A try double by scrum-half Gareth Davies – which took him level with fellow Scarlet Steff Evans as the joint leading Welsh try-scorer in the competition’s history – and a superb solo effort from the outstanding Johnny Williams had given the Scarlets a cushion going into the final quarter.
But it needed huge spirit and character at the close to secure a fifth successive league win at the Arms Park, to the delight of a huge travelling support.
Ioan Lloyd pulled the strings expertly to take the player-of-the-match medal, while Williams and Marnus van der Merwe were other standout performers.
With Sosban Fach ringing around the stadium, Scarlets were on the board after eight minutes with Lloyd slotting a penalty from 40 metres, following a trademark turnover from Macleod.
Lloyd doubled the advantage with another long-range effort, but the Scarlets were then reduced to 14 men when lock Sam Lousi was yellow carded following a breakdown offence.
The visitors appeared to be dealing with the numerical disadvantage, but Cardiff struck on 24 minutes when Harri Millard was put through a gap in midfield and the winger raced in under the uprights. Tinus de Beer converted from straight in front.
The lead didn’t last long, however, as Scarlets struck for their first try, created and finished by Gareth Davies, who loves a try at the Arms Park.
Davies made the initial half break and after strong carries by van der Merwe and Lloyd, the Wales international sniped blind and dived over for his third try of the season. Lloyd was wide with the touchline effort.
Scarlets were denied a second try when Taine Plumtree was hauled down by desperate home defence after a sizzling touchline burst from Murray.
And it was Cardiff who went in a point ahead at the break when Millard was freed wide out for his second of the match.
The see-sawing nature of the contest continued straight after the restart. Cardiff piled on the pressure, but the Scarlets managed to escape, head downfield and craft their second try through that man Davies.
Lloyd was the architect, somehow freeing himself from the grasp of home clutches before feeding Davies on his trademark inside support line for a free run to the posts. Lloyd added the extras, with the help of the upright to move Scarlets 18-12 ahead.
Lloyd was off target with a penalty attempt which would have extended the lead, but Scarlets fans were celebrating a third try when some lovely hands from Eddie James put his midfield partner Johnny Williams for a run to the posts and a deserved try on his 50th appearance.
Then came the late drama. Rogers was shown yellow for a deliberate knock-on, Cardiff went to the corner and with their line-out maul in the ascendancy, referee Craig Evans awarded a penalty try, sending Macleod to the sin-bin and leaving the Scarlets having to survive with 13 men with 14 minutes still on the clock.
But they did just that, to the delight of the Scarlet support.
Cardiff – tries: H. Millard, pen try. Con: T. de Beer
Scarlets – tries: G. Davies (2), J. Williams. Cons: I. Lloyd (2)/ Pens: Lloyd (2).