Enterprising Perpignan cut a first half dash but all they had to show for much multi-handling skills was a 35-yard drop goal by fly-half Benoit Bellot.

In response, Wales fly-half Jones landed two penalty goals and then in a second half in which driving rain drowned most of the attacking flair of the first he found the mark three more times to get the Scarlets under way in pursuit of a Heineken Cup qualifying place.

This was a match captain Jones said his side must win following their heroic but pointless effort in Leicester a week earlier.

Win it they did, although it was often a call much too close for comfort for anxious home fans.

They had to wait until the 80th minute for the only score of an ultimately disappointing match and, appropriately, Jones scored it.

He found welcome space as the ball squirted out on the Perpignan side of a maul close to their line.

There was no-one within a yard of him to offer defence and a surprised Jones accepted gratefully the latitude by kicking on a for a score which made the victory look more respectable than it was.

Perpignan are sure to offer a little more in the return match. That could be a warning sign too for Leicester, who might find they will not have things all their own way in a group which promises to provide competition right down to the end.