The Scarlets' three-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at the Sportsground as bottom side Connacht battled their way to a deserved 16-10 Magners League win.

Fly-half Ian Keatley kicked 11 points, including the conversion of Mike McComish's first half try, to drive Connacht to their first win in four league fixtures.

The Scarlets were off the boil and disappointed during a first half which saw Connacht move 13-0 ahead, but the Scarlets rallied in the third quarter - and with Connacht prop Brett Wilkinson the third player to see yellow, Rhys Priestland hammered over the resulting kick.

Full-back Morgan Stoddart, back after a seven-month injury-enforced absence, exerted little influence on proceedings - with the Scarlets backs manufacturing only a couple of notable line breaks.

Into the final quarter, the 14 men of Connacht upped the intensity - and an earth-shuddering tackle from Keith Matthews got the hosts back in the groove.

Soon afterwards, Keatley thumped a long-range penalty over to steady the ship at 16-3 - and despite Williams' late score in the corner, Connacht stood firm for a much-needed victory.