Matt Healy’s stunning second-half try proved the difference as Connacht maintained their unbeaten home record and solidified their position in the top six of the GUINNESS PRO12.

Pat Lam’s side have turned their Galway Sportsground into a fortress this season and their cause was further aided by the return of Irish internationals Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah.

In contrast, Scarlets – with nine players involved in the Welsh win over the Springboks in Cardiff – have not won on their travels since February.

However, Wayne Pivac’s side still came into the match brimming with confidence after last week’s win over Glasgow and fly-half Steve Shinger broke the deadlock and settled their nerves with a third-minute penalty.

And just two minutes later he provided the pass that allowed winger Harry Robinson to cross the line to complete a firecracker opening.

But Connacht, who had lost their previous three meetings with the Welsh outfit, soon awoke from their early slumber and hit back.

Shingler missed a penalty and opposite number Jack Carty reduced the deficit with his boot to conclude a breathless opening 20 minutes.

Kristian Phillips made a couple of breaks that ignited the travelling support while Scarlets captain John Barclay drove on the forwards and Shingler missed a drop goal attempt.

However, Connacht were quicker off the mark after the restart as they sought to build on the previous week’s 43-3 win over Italian side Zebre.

Carty threaded his second penalty and moments later winger Healy scored a brilliant solo try, kicking and chasing from the half-way line and surging away from yellow shirted Scarlets players to touch down in the corner.

Forward pressure paid dividends as Carty – who missed the earlier conversion – threaded another penalty to open up a six point advantage for the hosts that was ultimately decisive.

However, in an encounter that was close throughout, the Scarlets rallied, Connacht full-back Mils Muliaina making a critical try saving tackle as the visitors powered down the wing.

Carty missed a late drop goal and penalty but it didn’t matter as the hosts hung on despite Scarlets continued late pressure.

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