SCARLETS' EURO DREAMS FADING

THE Scarlets' Champions Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a breathless but ultimately costly feat to Pau in Llanelli.

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Ellis Mee of the Scarlets takes on the Pau defence

(Picture: Huw Evans Agency)

In a contest that swung wildly from one extreme to the other, Dwayne Peel's side were left to rue defensive frailties and missed opportunities as another European night ended in frustration.

Having fallen 26-10 behind inside the opening half-hour, the Scarlets appeared to have turned the game on its head when they surged into a 38-26 lead early in the second half.

But Pau finished the stronger, punishing some alarming first-up tackling and capitalising on home indiscipline as the visitors snatched victory back.

While qualification is not yet mathematically impossible, it is highly improbable, with a daunting trip to Northampton Saints looming next weekend.

Toshi Butlin (2), Clement Mondinat, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Remi Seneca, Theo Attissogbe and Siate Tokolahi scored Pau’s tries while Axel Desperes kicked 12 points.

Josh Macleod (2), Archie Hughes, Taine Plumtree and Joe Hawkins scored tries for Peel’s side. Hawkins also contributed a further 13 points from the kicking tee.

Hawkins opened the scoring for the hosts after the Scarlets’ maul forced Pau to concede a penalty.