CONNACHT GET SCAR TISSUE

CRAIG RONALDSON dotted down Connacht’s only try as they succumbed to a bonus point defeat against Scarlets in the Sportsground.

In what was head coach Pat Lam and backs coach Conor Mcphillips’ last home league game in charge before they depart for Bristol, Scarlets blitzed their hosts to set up a 22-3 half-time lead.

There was 5,290 in attendance to wave goodbye to a number of Connacht stalwarts also, but outside of Ronaldson’s (left) second-half try, they had very little to cheer.

A stunning opening half-hour saw Scarlets tear Connacht asunder at the Sportsground with a display that Pat Lam’s side would have been proud of in their pomp.

Scarlets ruthlessly tore the home side to shreds and had the bonus-point wrapped up by the 31st minute.

Just after the half-hour mark try number four arrived in the left corner, Lions tourist Liam Williams popped up on Steff Evans’ shoulder to clinch the bonus.

Scarlets led 22-3 at half-time, and Ronaldson crossed for a consolation in the 58th minute, but it was difficult night for the hosts and their home campaign ended in a whimper, with van der Merwe adding a fifth late on.