FISHGUARD & GOODWICK 40 pts. PEMBROKE DOCK QUINS 7

The Quins bowed out of this season's Swalec Bowl on Saturday to last year's finalists, Fishguard & Goodwick, in a game when for the first half at least they matched their opponents all the way.

The Seagulls chose to play against the wind in the first half against a Quins side who were missing no less than 21 players due to injury or work commitments.

The Quins started off quite brightly, but it was clear to see in the early stages that the their lineout which has been superb all season was going to be affected by the gale which was blowing behind them.

It took the Seasiders 13 minutes to register their first points when experienced outside-half Huw Evans punished a Quins indiscretion by slotting over a 25-yard penalty.

On 25 minutes, he doubled his side's lead when the Quins were caught offside.

The Quins, though, picked up the pace, spurning a few shots at goal themselves with Charlie Berry pushing them nearer the Seagulls line.

The lineouts now were becoming a lottery with only front ball being realistically available to either side as the gale was increasing.

The Quins were unlucky not to score a try when the ball shot out of the side of the scrum, and after a brilliant pick-up from Adam Cawley, the scrum-half touched down in the corner, only to be denied by the referee.

The half ended with both sides having a shot at goal, Huw Evans being successful to stretch his side's lead to 9-0, and with the last kick of the half Charie Berry pushed his penalty just wide of the posts.

With the weather now deteriorating by the minute, the next score seemed crucial to the outcome of the game and unfortunately for the Quins it went to the home side when wing Ed Bendall forced his way over in the corner just five minutes into the half.

Not surprisingly Huw Evans missed the conversion.

Number eight Simon James soon added his side's second try after a strong scrum to push the lead out to 19-0.

With the rain now joining the gale, the conditions were horrendous, although the playing surface itself was remarkably good.

The home side ran in three more tries by flanker Mark George, fullback Gareth Adamson and replacement hooker Owen Morgan, which were all converted by Huw Evans as the Quins, in the conditions, were finding it impossible to kick their way out trouble.

The Quins were finally rewarded for their bold approach, though, when centre Sam Kataki broke two tackles and ran in from fully 70 yards to touch down under the posts, and Charlie Berry converted to end the scoring and the match.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Quins are away to Division Five new boys, Pantyfynnon.