LLANELLI SCARLETS 19 AGEN 15

Scott Quinnell made it three tries in as many games in Pool 4 of the Heineken Cup to keep the Scarlets at the top of the table.

The former Wales and Lions No 8 powered over for a decisive first-half score that helped to settle the home side's nerves and make it three wins in a row.

Quinnell struck from close range in the opening round victory over Northampton Saints and was one of four try scorers in the bonus point victory at The Borders.

The trusty boot of Wales outside half Stephen Jones notched the rest of the points for the home side as he converted Quinnell's try and kicked four crucial penalties. He steered the Scarlets into a 13-8 interval lead and added two second half penalties to complete the victory.

Agen may have run out losers, but they still had plenty to smile about as they outscored their hosts by two tries to one thanks to wing Luc Lafforgue and hooker Noel Curnier. Outside half Jerome Miguel converted one and also kicked a penalty.

The four point difference ensured Agen picked up a bonus point away from home - the second side to do that at Stradey Park this season - and they will return to France hopeful of victory in next weekend's return leg.

Llanelli Scarlets 19 Agen 15 HT: 13-8 Attendance: 9,438

Llanelli Scarlets: Try - S Quinnell; Con - S Jones; Pens - S Jones (4)
Agen: Tries - L Lafforgue, N Curnier; Con - J Miquel; Pen - J Miquel
Heineken man of the match: Mark Taylor (Llanelli Scarlets)
Match points: Llanelli Scarlets 4 pts; Agen 1 pt

Scarlets: Barry Davies; Garan Evans, Mark Taylor, Matthew Watkins, Salesi Finau; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, Robin McBryde, John Davies, Vernon Cooper (capt), Chris Wyatt, Dafydd Jones, Simon Easterby, Scott Quinnell. Replacements: Phil John, Aled Gravelle, Adam Jones, David Hodges, Mike Phillips, Gareth Bowen, Mark Jones.
Agen: P Elhorga; L Lafforgue, C Stolz, S Bonetti, M Dourthe; J Miquel, P Blanco; N Curnier, O Hasan, M Lievremont, M Kahla, J Parent, M Lievremont, P Benetton (capt), O Sverzut
Replacements: P Piacentini, A Dosser, S Socol, O Sarramea, C Coro, G Bouic, S Mirande
Referee: Dave McHugh (Ireland)