Tries from captain Jac Morgan, wing Keelan Giles, a first for the region for scrum-half Kieran Hardy on his old stomping ground, and a subline individual score from replacement fly-half Dan Edwards gave the Ospreys a comfortable victory.
The Lions had silenced the crowd by opening the scoring with a try from hooker Franco Marais, but it would be short-lived as it would be predominantly one-way traffic for the temporary hosts who would show some of the qualities that helped them reach last season’s quarter-finals of the competition.
Centre Erich Cronje grabbed a late consolation at the death for the visitors, but it was not going to spoil the day for Booth and his side who will now go into next weekend’s tie in the south of France against Montpellier full of confidence.
“We are really pleased. We love the competition and are excited by it,” said Booth after the game.
“Campaigns are not always straightforward and we have had challenges to get past.
“We talked about this second block, and this is about how you set yourself up for what is coming around the corner. It is an exciting part of the season for us.
“The most impressive thing was despite what had happened previously, we looked like ourselves today and that is the biggest compliment I can give us.”
Booth would also have a message to the Ospreys fans after the last-minute switch to play the game at Parc y Scarlets due to damage to the Swansea.com Stadium following Storm Darragh.
“I want to thank everyone who came to watch, it isn’t easy to change your plans,” continued Booth.
“I thought they came in numbers and were vocal.
“Secondly, I would also like to thank the Scarlets who were very hospitable, which was important in our time of need.
“It was ironic that they had roof issues, but we got the game on and that is the most important thing.
“It is easy to hide behind this and that, and I think that was the most impressive thing for me was despite what had happened previously, we were proper on it this week.
“If you have a team with intent and effort, over 80 minutes it will work out and come down to key moments, quality and consistency and that is when the Ospreys are at their best.
“We weathered the early storm and didn’t get punished on the scoreboard. It showed to me how much the playing staff wanted to respond, care about each other, and what we represent.
“If you have got that finding a way becomes easy.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
