Scarlets secured top seeding in Pool B by completing an unbeaten EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with victory over Aviron Bayonnais at the Stade Jean Dauger.

The West Walians made it four wins from four in Europe and six from seven in all competitions courtesy of a comfortable 20-7 victory in the south of France.

First-half tries from skipper Jonathan Davies and co-centre Joe Roberts put the Scarlets in control with Steff Evans adding another to his tally after the break to secure the points.

McNicholl won the player-of-the-match award, while flanker Dan Davis put in another outstanding all-action display in the back row.

After withstanding some early Bayonne pressure, it was the Scarlets who were on the board first thanks to a 10th-minute penalty from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny.

Halfpenny was wide with a 40-metre attempt shortly afterwards with the opening half  largely being played between the two 22s.

Scarlets were playing with plenty of ambition and width, particularly on the counter-attack, but were finding the home side tough to break down.

That changed courtesy of a brilliant attack from a scrum on halfway on 29 minutes.

Scrum-half Gareth Davies came around on the loop to race into space, he fed McNicholl on the outside and the winger’s inside pass was taken by skipper Jonathan Davies who produced a silky quick-step on his way over the whitewash. Halfpenny’s conversion rebounded off the upright.

A Sam Lousi interception almost put Joe Roberts over for a second moments later, only for the centre to be hauled down just before the line.

Roberts wasn’t to be denied though, and after McNicholl gathered a clearance and sliced through the home defence, Lousi took up play to the Bayonne tryline before the ball was sent speeding through the hands for Roberts to dive over in the corner. Halfpenny’s conversion came up short, but Scarlets had a 13-0 advantage going into the half-time break.

Scarlets continued to look the more threatening after the break.

Dan Davis burst through to feed Gareth Davies and although the Bayonne defence scrambled back, they were penalised, which led to a yellow card for the home side. From the resultant penalty, Scarlets stretched Bayonne again and Steff Evans finished superbly, stepping inside before placing the ball down one-handed for try number three. Halfpenny found his radar to nail the touchline conversion.

Bayonne gave their home fans something to cheer with a converted try from Bastien Pourailly late on, but there were no more scares for the Scarlets or the 200 or so travelling fans, who now have a home last 16 tie to look forward to in April.