A dramatic injury-time try from replacement Eduan Swart sealed a first victory of 2024 as the Scarlets saw off Benetton 16-13 in a  Parc y Scarlets thriller.

A tense finale saw a Steff Evans try ruled by the television match official before Swart touched down from a driving line-out to secure the a gripping win.

Even then, the crowd had to wait during some painstaking moments for the TMO to confirm the score, with Sam Costelow landing the touchline conversion to the delight of everyone inside the Parc.

It was a deserved victory for the Scarlets, who had battle back from 13-3 down at half-time.

Second row Alex Craig put in a monstrous carrying display at the heart of the pack, while there were also standout displays from the likes of Teddy Leatherbarrow, Shaun Evans and Sam Lousi up front and Ioan Lloyd as an attacking threat from deep.

The win was the Scarlets’ third in the URC this season following the double over Cardiff before Christmas.

Prior to kick-off, Scarlets paid tribute to the legendary Lewis Jones, who sadly passed away earlier this month.

A bright start saw the West Walians on the board in the third minute thanks to a sweetly-struck Costelow penalty from 35 metres out.

Opposite number Jacob Umaga responded immediately for the visitors, who then celebrated the game’s opening try thanks to a powerful run down the touchline by wing Onisi Ratave.

Umaga nailed the conversion and a penalty to move his side 13-3 ahead on 20 minutes.

Scarlets had plenty of ball towards the end of the half with the impressive Craig going close from a strong charge.

But the Italians’ defence was proving difficult to break down with the visitors holding onto their 10-point advantage at the break.

Scarlets reduced the lead thanks to a second Costelow penalty 11 minutes into the second period, but despite scything breaks from the likes of Johnny Williams and Lloyd, the home side couldn’t make any further dents until the final minutes.

Swart was among a number of replacements who made their mark as the clock ticked down.

One of those, Steff Evans, thought he was over after stepping his way to the whitewash, but the score was ruled out. Scarlets, though, were playing with penalty advantage, kicked to the corner, then came Swart’s match-winner as everyone piled into a driving line-out that rumbled over in the corner.

The crowd still had to hold their breath to see if the South African had stayed infield, but referee Chris Busby was told to stick to his decision and the Scarlets had the win, decorated by Costelow’s conversion.

The Scarlets are back in action at home next Saturday when they welcome Glasgow Warriors to the Parc.

Scarlets - tries: E. Swart. Con: S. Costelow. Pens: Costelow (3).

Attendance: 6,482