Llanelli Scarlets opened their defence of the Celtic league with a comfortable 26-15 over the Borders at Netherdale.
Gareth Jenkins' side outscored their hosts by four tries to two in a game they always controlled.
After taking a half-time 21-0 lead, the West Wales region took their foot off the gas, and conceded two second half tries to Stuart Moffat on his competitive club debut and the impressive Chris Cusiter.
Tries from Selesi Finau, Chris Wyatt and Gavin Thomas, all converted by Gareth Bowen, gave the Scarlets their lead- and they seemed content to sit on it rather than extend the advantage.
Llanelli's Irish star Simon Easterby powered through for the visitors' fourth try to stifle any hopes of a borders comeback
Borders, however, had the last word when Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter sneaked in for their second touchdown, goaled by new Kiwi import Charlie Hore. But it proved to be too little too late.
Scorers:
Borders:
Tries: Moffat, Cusiter
Con: Hore
Pen: Hore
Scarlets:
Tries: Finau, Wyatt, G. Thomas, Easterby
Cons: Bowen (3)
