Scarlets 25 Connacht 15:Connacht crashed to a sixth straight defeat on the road despite making a perfect start at Parc y Scarlets.

Danie Poolman crossed after barely a minute in Llanelli but the Scarlets fought back through the boot of Owen Williams and a try from Joe Snyman. Mike Swift powered over for a late try for the visitors but it was too little too late for the Galway-based outfit.

Eric Elwood’s men had the opportunity to leap-frog Edinburgh in the Pro12 league table but remain seeded in 12th place – with their losing streak in Wales now approaching five years

Connacht made a perfect start in west Wales, scoring inside the opening minute. The Scarlets failed to secure possession from the kick-off and Vainikolo launched an attack.

He was tackled short but Parks nudged a perfectly weighted drop kick into the corner which Poolman collected.

Williams responded for the hosts after Connacht were penalised for failing to roll away following a Andy Fenby break.

Parks hit the right upright on seven minutes and the Scarlets took the lead thanks to the boot of Williams as the second quarter approached.

The Welsh region dominated territory and possession in the following minutes but Connacht defended with gusto and weathered the storm.

They regained the lead on 29 minutes as Parks coolly slotted a neat drop-goal but it did not last long as Williams hit-back.

To their credit Connacht continued to battle and they rallied at the death.

Secondrow Swift powered over for a late try but left Wales empty handed.