Sharks celebrated a first win of the URC campaign by edging a spirited Scarlets.
Both sides came into the match winless and in desperate need of picking up points to kick-start their season before the international break.
In an entertaining contest, In searing heat in Durban, it was the home side who would start the quickest, carving opening a try for flanker Vincent Tshituka after a skipper Siya Kolisi had burst through the midfield.
Scarlets responded through hooker Marnus van der Merwe after good work from Johnny Williams and lock Harvey Cookson saw the South African dive over the line from close range.
But the reprieve would be short-lived as Sharks scored their second try of the game after dazzling footwork from Manu Tshituka saw the flanker break free to regain the advantage.
Scarlets would immediately peg the home side back with Wales back Blair Murray chasing his own kick to ground in the corner.
But prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko’s converted try would be enough to sent the Sharks into a slender 19-14 lead at the break.
Wing Tom Rogers levelled the scores for Scarlets within five minutes of the restart after bursting onto a delayed pass from Dane Blacker on halfway before sprinting clear to the line.
However, a missed conversion from fly-half Sam Costelow’s meant the Scarlets would fail to take the lead for the first time.
As the game wore on, it would be the Sharks though who would gain the crucial next score. A lineout drive seeing national captain Siya Kolisi crossing to bag a bonus point, with fly-half Jean Smith adding the extras. A further penalty extended the advantage, but as Scarlets looked to chase a bonus point of their own in the final minutes, ill-discipline kicked in with Taine Plumtree sent to the sin bin to all but end hopes of a comeback.
It would be the Scarlets slipped fourth defeat from as many games as Dwayne Peel’s side remain at the foot of the URC standings, whilst the Sharks earned their first victory from five matches to move to 12th.
Sharks XV:
J Hendrikse; Hooker, Am, Esterhuizen, van der Merwe; Smith, Williams; Nche, Mbonambi, Mazibuko, Etzebeth (captain), Orie, Kolisi, V Tshituka, E Tshituka
Replacements: Mbatha, Dawson, Mdanda, Scheepers, Buthelezi, J Hendrikse, Julius
Scarlets XV:
Murray; Rogers, Roberts, Williams (capt), Mee; Costelow, Blacker; Mathias, van der Merwe, Holz, Ball, Cuckson, Lousi, Davis, Plumtree.
Replacements: Myhill, Hepburn, Thomas, Groves, Taylor, Hughes, Hawkins, Nicholas.
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
