Matchwinner Sam Costelow has paid tribute to the Parc y Scarlets faithful following the dramatic 27-26 win over Benetton.
The Wales international held his nerve to slot the decisive penalty two minutes from time and claim a first BKT URC victory of the campaign after derby defeats to Cardiff and the Dragons.
“It’s massive,” he said. “We knew we weren’t good enough the first two games and it’s nice to see a smile on the fans’ faces.
“They are with us thick and thin. They are out in their thousands and it’s brilliant to see. It’s awesome.”
Scarlets trailed 21-7 at half-time, but rallied to take the lead with winger Ellis Mee scoring a brace of tries.
“Our kicking game probably didn’t help us in the first half. We put ourselves under pressure,” admitted Costelow.
“But I thought our back three put us in great positions in the second half. They excited us and brought us into the game.”
Having staged a stirring comeback to go in front, the Scarlets then found themselves behind again when winger Louis Lynagh crossed late on for Benetton.
But up stepped fly-half Costelow to secure a bonus-point victory to the delight of the home fans.
“It was a pretty tough kick in fairness after missing the previous two,” he said. “But our forwards had worked so hard, so I thought I would save them the legs in the driving maul and slot one over!”
Giving his thoughts on Costelow’s winning penalty, try-scoring player of the match Blair Murray said: “It was never in doubt.
“I see him practice those all through the week. He’s a class kicker, a class player. I never had a doubt.”
Reflecting on the comeback win, full-back Murray said: “It’s unbelievable. We had a bit of a slow start in the first half. Our own mistakes made it hard for ourselves.
“Coming out at half-time, we knew if we kept hold of the ball and cut out those mistakes we would have a good run.
“I am just so proud of the boys’ efforts. They stepped up when we needed them and helped us get the win.”