In a thrilling game that featured nine tries on the 4G surface at Ystrad Mynach, the young Dragons looked set to avenge their earlier defeat as they threw the kitchen sink at the championship leaders to turn a 10 point deficit into a four point lead in the second half.
The visitors got off to a flying start with a try from hooker Dom Booth after only six minutes and then outside half Llew Smith flew over for a second five minutes later. The Drgons maintained their composure and hit back with a try from skipper and scrum half Daf Buckland.
His half-back partner Will Reed added the conversion to cut the gap to three points, but when centre Osian Knott ran in a third try for the Scarlets the conversion from Smith re-established the 10 point lead.
But the Dragons refused to be shrugged off and when wing Ewan Rosser ran in a second home try, converted by Reed, they proved they were still very much in the hunt. A fourth Scarlets try, this time from skipper and flanker Gethin Davies, was again converted by Smith at the start of the second half.
But that score merely brought about a major reaction from the gallant home side who conjured up two tries without reply to edge into 28-24 lead. Rosser bagged his second and then replacement scrum half Iwan Burgwin crossed.
Both tries were improved by Reed and the leaders were in deep trouble as they trailed for the first time and with time running out. This time it was the visitors’ turn to keep cool under pressure and they were helped by two yellow cards.
The Dragons lost replacement lock Benji Hoppe for 10 minutes on 59 minutes for tripping and were then reduced to 13 men nine minutes later when flanker Rhys Morgans was punished for not retiring at a penalty. A minute later the Scarlets struck with their fifth try from replacement lock Williams to win the game.
Bradley Roderick added the conversion and the final result made it six successive bonus-point wins for the unbeaten Scarlets. They will win the title for the first time since 2013 if they can beat RGC 1404 at Parc Y Scarlets on Sunday.
RAG Under 18 Champions
2017 Ospreys
2016 Cardiff Blues
2015 Ospreys
2014 Cardiff Blues
2013 Scarlets
2012 Cardiff Blues
2011 Cardiff Blues
2010 Cardiff Blues
2009 Ospreys
2008 Ospreys
2007 Ospreys
2006 Ospreys
