The hosts had Rhys Priestland to thank for the victory as he kicked six penalties from six attempts to build on the momentum of last weekend’s uplifting Heineken Cup triumph over London Irish and end a run of four successive domestic defeats.

James Arlidge kicked the Dragons’ only points as they remained in search of their first Magners League away win since January.

Paul Turner’s side travelled having won three from five in the Magners League, but were chasing only their second ever win in Llanelli since the formation of the regions in 2003.

And they never looked like returning to Gwent with victory after a lacklustre showing in a drab encounter.

After a forgettable opening, fly-half Priestland broke the deadlock with a 13th minute penalty before kicking another after 24 minutes, either side of Arlidge’s effort.

Moments after Priestland’s second penalty the Dragons nearly scored the game’s first try.

Sean Lamont missed a tackle and the ball squirmed free over the line with Richard Fussell and Martyn Thomas in pursuit before it was grounded amid desperate Scarlets defence.

Both sides were struggling to make any impact as the first period drew to a close, although the Dragons again nearly snatched the lead as the half-time whistle approached.

Full-back Thomas found himself in space and kicked through for Ashley Smith, who gave chase before the ball trickled into touch just meters from the line.

The game might have ignited four minutes after the re-start when Scarlets prop Iestyn Thomas burst through, before offloading to David Lyons, but with the number eight nearing the line referee Peter Allan pulled play back for crossing.

Priestland gave the hosts some breathing space with two further penalties from distance in the 50th and 54th minutes.

Another Priestland penalty strengthened that grip further before Dragons wing Aled Brew was sin-binned with 13 minutes remaining.

That was the final nail in the Dragons coffin and Priestland sealed the win with his sixth penalty from as many attempts.