And while it was a night for the forwards to show their mettle, there was a dream home return for the popular back three Scarlet Morgan Stoddart who was given a huge reception back on the field from a near 8,000 crowd at Parc y Scarlets.
Coming on after half-time, the former Wales international full-back and wing seared in the left-hand corner with all his hallmark pace and appetite to score a tries as he helped seal a win which lifted the roof at Parc y Scarlets.
After a near 14-month injury absence, Scarlets supporters will be delighted to see the return of the talented back who looked sharp and confident after his long lay-off.
A wet October night did not dampen the spirit of the Scarlets team to deliver an important derby win with pride and points at stake. With a decent win in difficult conditions now under their belt and a well-worked and committed performance the West Wales region sit in second behind leaders Ulster on 20 points.
And one big prospect for the future, 19-year-old Llanelli-born Prop, Samson Lee showed his great potential with a man of the match award and a performance that defied his years.
Scarlets Forwards Coach Danny Wilson said he was pleased with the team's performance: "That was a much better performance from us; we probably had enough ball to do a bit more and even in the tough conditions we tried to play which shows the intent this team has.
"We made a few mistakes from trying to play but we cushioned that with playing and being dominant in the right areas; which gave us the ability to go on and win the game."
Wilson applauded his young Prop but said there was plenty still to work with him on as he develops as a player.
He said: "Samson was great, we've seen potential in him and it was about whether he could step up to the next level. He showed that tonight by a getting start in his first big derby and he proved he's an outstanding prospect.
"He has a great attitude to the game and to scrummaging; we know there are very few tight head props in Wales coming through with his ability and it's positive to see what he can already. We need to nurture that and keep developing him, but even at 19, he was up against Phil Price who's no mug and an experienced scummager at this level - and Samson was extremely dominant."
Wilson congratulated the forwards effort and said: "I was pleased with what we did; we went out there those poor conditions and put a handle on set piece, we dominated the scrum and line-out. I felt we got drives going, we put their throws under some pressure and it was key to prevent the Dragons from getting too much ball - we did well.
"It was good to see Joe Snyman go well - we planned to give him 40 minutes but he was keen to carry on and give more and it was a pleasing start we saw a lot from him at scrum time and he carried well."
Danny Wilson said the whole set-up were thrilled to see Morgan Stoddart return to the field with a try at his come-back game.
"He's been desperate to get back and it was good to see him perform well, had plenty of contact to make sure he's match fit and hopefully he will kick on from here. To cap his return with a try as well was really pleasing for all the team to see. We're thrilled for Stodds; he's worked very hard to get back and to see him come back like that is great for us all."
Wilson said it was going to be a much tighter and tougher challenge next week but on the back of a winning performance, one the Scarlets will relish.
"This has give us a confidence boost - we had a good response from the players tonight and they demanded of themselves to respond positively. We know we'll have to be one step up again next weekend against Clermont, but we're motivated for that and hopefully we can produce and build on what we have done tonight. It's a different challenge and one we're keen to face."
