The Scarlets put early pressure from the kick off on Connacht as they played some expansive rugby deep in the visitor's territory. With the referee playing advantage outside half Rhys Priestland, who replaces Stephen Jones after a minor ankle injury against the Blues last weekend, decided to try and get early points on the board with a drop goal.

The penalty was taken back to the 22 line and Priestland was successful with a penalty showing the Scarlets intent early on.

Moments later they gathered momentum as the centres, Jon Davies and Regan King worked extremely well together in mid-field and the forwards came in to support as they edged ever closer to the line. Prop Rhys Thomas used his strength to cross the line under the posts and was deemed a try by the television match official. Priestland added a conversion to take the Scarlets 10 points to nil into the lead with less than ten minutes on the clock.

Connacht were handed an opportunity to open their score card as the outside half Ian Keatley lined up for a penalty following an off-side penalty against the Scarlets. His kick had the distance but was pulled wide of the uprights retaining the Scarlets' lead.

The home team came back with strength and speed as they worked their way back into Connacht's half as they looked hungry for points, a great passage of play within the 22 led to a try under the posts by flanker Rob McCusker after winger Andy Fenby came close just seconds later. Priestland successfully converted to take the Scarlets' lead to 17 points.

With a point to prove the Scarlets wasted no time in ensuring that they put clear space between themselves and their opponents as a third try came on the 21st minute as centre Davies broke through the Connacht defence as though they weren't there to score under the post. Rhys Priestland secured another two points with a conversion in front of the posts.

Connacht were awarded a penalty in the Scarlets' half and Keatley was successful with his second attempt and opened the visitor's score card. Scarlets 24 Connacht 3.

The Irish side weren't prepared to take it lying down and fought their way into Scarlets territory however they weren't there long as the Scarlets were awarded a penalty and Priestland successfully kicked down field to secure territory.

In a high tempo opening half the Scarlets showed what they are capable of with moves straight from the training field and every member of the team showing grit and determination to win every ball and to use the ball on every inch of the park.

With only a minute remaining on the clock the Scarlets maintained pressure and were playing deep in Connacht territory and pushing for the fourth try before half time.

The ball went from right to left, was kicked across field by Priestland, kept alive by British Lions and Wales hooker Matthew Rees and taken safely over the line by prop Thomas for his second of the afternoon. Priestland's confidence and aim didn't falter as he secured his fourth conversion.

Half time: Scarlets 31 Connacht 3

The Scarlets came out to the field for the second half with the same optimism and determination to play rugby as they did at the beginning of the game. Winger Fenby came close to scoring a try for the second time as he kicked a loose ball ahead but a Connacht defender got to the ball first.

Priestland, keen to move ever closer to 200 points this season, took advantage of a penalty with a kick from the 10metre line, it wasn't to be on this occasion and the crowd gasped in disappointment as it hit the upright.

An early try came for the Scarlets as Fenby offloaded to Priestland, found winger Sean Lamont on his right who in turn offloaded to Regan King who dragged a Connacht defender over the line with him to score the home side's fifth try. Priestland once again hit the uprights.

Connacht replied in style on this occasion as they ran the ball along the wing and offloaded back in field to centre Eoin Griffin who scored their first try. Outside half Keatley added the two points.

As Connacht secured a line out deep in the Scarlets' half they looked hungry for another try however the ball was snatched by second row Lou Reed.

Connacht's captain and hooker was yellow carded for not rolling away from the ruck and this gave the Scarlets an opportunity to secure territory down field. In an attacking line which saw Priestland offload the ball to King, loop back into the line and pass to centre Jonathan Davies who crossed for his second try of the afternoon and the Scarlets' sixth.

The Scarlets were put under some pressure as the clock ticked passed the third quarter with Connacht running the ball deep in the Scarlets' half trying to punch a hole in the home side's strong defensive line.

Flanker Josh Turnbull was delighted to cross the line for the Scarlets' seventh try after receiving a one handed pass on the far side by second row Lou Reed. Rhys Priestland found his form once again and added a further two points to bring the score to 48-10.

Centre King scored the home side's eighth try, and his second, of the afternoon in a move started by centre Jon Davies and replacement winger Lee Williams.

Moments later he was heading for the try line once again after Williams charged down field before offloading from a tackle, King was stopped short of the line on this occasion.

With the supporters singing 'Scarlets 'til I die' in the dying moments of the game it was evident that the eight try hammering of Connacht went a long way to reinstate passion in the Scarlets supporters and players alike.

Lee Williams once again made a charge towards the Connacht line, his pass went loose on this occasion and Connacht were awarded a penalty. It was Scarlets who took advantage however and secured the final nail in Connacht's coffin as winger Lamont crossed the line in the same corner as the last two tries to close the score at 58 points to 10, and the Scarlets' biggest ever win in the Magners League.

Deacon Manu came on as replacement prop in the second half for his 100th appearance for the Scarlets.

Man of the Match: Regan King