European Champions Cup:

Bath 17-35 Scarlets

It was one of the most memorable displays by a Welsh side in Europe since regional rugby was formed in 2003.

And it was one which has put the Scarlets on the brink of a place in the quarter finals of the European Champions Cup, as Wayne Pivac's team  produced some scintilating rugby to beat Bath 35-17 at The Recreation Ground last night.

Again, there was no shortage of contribution from Pembrokeshire, with the ever reliable Rob Evans again outstanding in the front row before being replaced on 66 minutes.

James 'Cubby' Davies further enhanced his case for a first Welsh cap with a typically dynamic display, constantly featuring both in the tight exchanges and out wide as the Scarlets showed great inter-play between forwards and backs. 

And there was an appearance in the final quarter from Josh Mcleod, who replaced John Barclay in the back row.

The first 40 minutes were a sight to behold as the Scarlets played some breathtaking attacking rugby, taking the lead after full back Rhys Patchell launched a counter attack from deep, and after a series of off loads it was second row Tadhg Beirne who sidestepped Bath full back Anthony Watson to score.

A yellow card to Barclay for a cynical offence on his own line allowed Freddie Burns, who replaced the injured former Scarlet Rhys Priestland early on, to pull three points back for Bath - but Pivac's men weren't hindered by losing a man and extended their lead when winger Paul Asquith crossed in the corner.

Still with 14 men, Scarlets continued to dominated and Bath had no answer to the intensity or accuracy of the Welsh side in attack, as a break from scrum half Gareth Davies set up centre Hadleigh Parkes to go under the posts.

No 10 Dan Jones converted added his second coversion and then a penalty to put his side 22-3 up at the break.

The inevitable bonus point came shortly after half time, as a clever close range grubber kick from Patchell was gathered and grounded by centre Scott Williams.

Jones would convert and go on to add two more penalties - although Bath did grab consolation second half tries from Matt Banahan and Zach Mercer.

But whilst Scarlets were never going to maintain the searing pace of their first half play for 80 minutes, the damage was already done to the delight of a large travelling contingent of the region's supporters.

Scarlets coach Pivac said afterwards: "We certainly got the start we were after and to a man everybody stood up and did the job that was asked of them.

"It was a frantic first 20 minutes - so we played at the tempo we wanted and certainly there were some great tries scored in that first half which gave us that momentum.

"We score a lot of tries from turnover ball - most sides like to get that sort of ball against unstructured defence - and certainly our boys moved the ball really well."

The Welsh side replace Bath at the top of Pool Five and lead on 17 points - with last night's hosts second on 13 points, alongside Toulon, who play Benetton on Sunday.

Scarlets host Toulon in their final group game at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday.

Scarlets: Rhys Patchell, Paul Asquith, Hadleigh Parkes, Scott Williams, Tom Prydie, Dan Jones, Gareth Davies, Rob Evans, Ken Owens (capt), Samson Lee, Tadhg Beirne, David Bulbring, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, John Barclay

Replacements: Aled Davies for Gareth Davies (62), Wyn Jones for Rob Evans (66), Ryan Elias for Ken Owens (67), Werener Kruger for Samson Lee (54), Lewis Rawlins for David Bulbring (60), Josh Macleod for John Barclay (67).