Scarlets ran in five tries in an outstanding 29-23 bonus-point win over Cardiff at the Arms Park.

Trailing 14-0 after 10 minutes, the West Walians showed a huge amount of character to fight back into the contest and then took advantage of the sending off of Cardiff back-rower Ellis Jenkins to see out the win.

Skipper Gareth Davies claimed a brace of tries, while lock Alex Craig, wing Steff Evans and full-back Johnny McNicholl also crossed.

Ioan Lloyd called the shots with a player-of-the-match display from fly-half, while Craig, Johnny Williams, Evans and Johnny McNicholl were other standout performers as Scarlets celebrated a second URC win of the campaign and a seasonal double over their capital rivals.

In front of a vocal away support, it was Cardiff who were over for the opening try inside four minutes. A rumbling line-out drive had the Scarlets defence scrambling back and inches from the whitewash scrum-half Tomos Williams darted over at the posts. Tinus de Beer added the extras.

It got worse on 10 minutes when the home side made the most of another attacking position to put full-back Cam Winnett over for a second converted score.

Scarlets, though, struck straight back in clinical fashion.

After Eddie James had taken a high kick, centre partner Johnny Williams made the incision in midfield and he did well to draw the final defender and feed his skipper Gareth Davies for a free run to the posts. Lloyd added the extras.

A brilliant dummy and break from deep from Lloyd set up another Scarlets attacking opportunity, and after a series of drives by the forwards and following consultation with his TMO, referee Ben Whitehouse deemed that Scotland international Craig had touched down. Lloyd pushed the conversion attempt wide.

Looking to keep tempo in his side’s game, Gareth Davies put his side on the offensive with a blistering tap and go from his own 22.

Then came Jenkins’s dismissal for a dangerous tip tackle on opposite number Dan Davis, referee Whitehouse showing the Wales international a straight red, much to the anger of the home fans.

Scarlets took advantage with their third try and second for Davies right on half-time.

This time it was McNicholl the provider, scything through and finding that man Davies on his trademark support line. Lloyd’s conversion made it 19-14 at the interval.

A de Beer penalty two minutes after the restart reduced the lead to two points and, after a cagey third quarter, the South African added another to put his side back in front on the hour mark.

The lead, though, didn’t last long.

Strong work by James and Morgan Jones, on his 50th appearance, put the Scarlets on the front foot and slick hands freed wing Steff Evans, who finished well in the corner for the bonus-point score.

Sosban Fach was ringing around the Arms Park on 70 minutes as Scarlets claimed their fifth of the night with more swift backplay leading to McNicholl diving over wide out.

Another de Beer penalty made for a potentially nervy finale, but the visitors showed great composure to see out the last few minutes to secure a much-needed victory.

Cardiff - tries: T. Williams, C. Winnett. Cons: De Beer (2). Pens: De Beer (3)

Scarlets - tries: G. Davies (2), A. Craig, S. Evans, J. McNIcholl. Cons: I. Lloyd (2).