A late surge saw the Dragons celebrate their first win at Parc y Scarlets, claiming a 38-27 victory in a see-sawing URC clash.

Scarlets had led 27-21 going into the final quarter, but it was the visitors who finished stronger, running in 17 unanswered points in the final seven minutes.

The result was a huge disappointment to a Scarlets side chasing a top-eight play-off spot, with injuries continuing to hit the squad hard. Joe Roberts, Sam Costelow and Blade Thomson failed HIAs, while Liam Williams limped off with a hamstring injury.

It was a disastrous start for the home side, who were reduced to 13 men inside 11 minutes.

First, skipper Jonathan Davies was shown yellow by referee Ben Whitehouse for a high challenge, then after a Dragons break Steff Evans was sin-binned for an infringement at the breakdown.

Straight away, the visitors took advantage with centre Jack Dixon powering over at the posts, a score converted by fly-half Sam Davies.

The Scarlets reduced the arrears through a Costelow penalty, then, when back up to a full complement, claimed their first try when No. 8 Sione Kalamafoni picked up and dived over from close range on 25 minutes.

The Dragons were making the most of every foray into home territory and were back in front when flanker Taine Basham twisted over following a break from back-row colleague Aaron Wainwright. Davies again added the conversion.

The fluctuating nature of the contest continued and after another period of home pressure, the Scarlets regained the lead when the backs freed Liam Williams to dive over in the corner in the dying seconds of the half.

The Scarlets advantage didn’t last long after the break with wing Jared Rosser racing away after a break from Dixon. Scarlets felt the centre had been held, but the try was allowed to stand.

Back came the home side, though, and a third try arrived on 54 minutes.

The ball was spun wide to Corey Baldwin; the winger and Liam Williams combined to keep the ball alive and Johnny Williams pounced under the noses of the Dragons to score at the posts.

Despite losing Liam Williams to injury, Scarlets claimed their fourth on the hour mark. Strong work from the forwards took play to the Dragons line and a long pass from Jonathan Davies found makeshift wing Kieran Hardy in space for the bonus-point try.

However, the Scarlets were unable to see out the game.

Baldwin was carded for a deliberate knock on and on-loan Scarlets hooker Taylor Davies scored from the ensuing line-out. Davies converted to give his side the lead, then another former Scarlet, Rhodri Williams, raced over for a fifth. Davies converted and added a further penalty to seal a famous win for the men of Gwent.

The two sides will meet again in Newport next Saturday.