HARLEQUINS staged a stunning second half comeback to leave the Scarlets shell-shocked and dazed at Stradey Park.

Having been blown away in the first half by an early two-try burst, the Guinness high flyers stormed back to kick off their Heineken Cup campaign with a crucial away win.

And with a visit of struggling Ulster next weekend, they already look well placed to challenge Stade Francais for a place in the last eight.

But they had to show their character after it took the Scarlets just 32 seconds to register their opening score.

Full back Morgan Stoddart burst through Quins’ midfield and rounded opposite number Michael Brown for a wonderful individual score. Stephen Jones tugged his conversion wide, but it was the perfect start to the Scarlets’ penultimate game at the famous stadium before moving across town to their new home, Parc y Scarlets.

One became two 10 minutes later when Wales wing Mark Jones took receipt of a pass from Stoddart to cross in the corner.

Jones once again spurned the opportunity to add the extras, but it was all one-way traffic with the Welsh region teaching the Premiership side a lesson in the art of handling.

Jones landed his first kick of the game after 28 minutes to make it 13-3, then after Malone had pushed a straightforward attempt wide of the uprights the Wales fly half extended the lead with his second kick.

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