CEFNEITHIN 22 pts.

PEMBROKE DOCK QUINS 6

The Quins put in a tremendous amount effort for little reward in a fine display at Cefnethin on Saturday.

On a very heavy pitch, it was a credit to Cefneithin that this was one of the few games that managed to beat the weather.

The Quins started the brighter and were soon on the attack, with outside-half Jonathan Rogers orchestrating things well as he played into the elements.

It took the visitors just 10 minutes to get on the scoresheet when Rogers slotted over a 35-yard penalty to put the Quins into the lead.

Pembroke Dock were once again putting in a tough defensive display, with some strong tackling, especially from back row pair Barry Parsons and Alex Pierce.

On 20 minutes, however, the home side took the lead when a lineout near the Quins line went wrong and flanker Nathan Davies dived on the ball to put his side into the lead. Owain Lewis missed the conversion from halfway out.

The Quins did not seem unduly worried by this as they were having more than their fair share of possession and territory, and when Rogers put over his second penalty on the half-hour, things were looking up for the visitors.

Although the half ended with a missed drop shot from Rogers, the Quins went in 5-6 to the good and with the wind in their favour for the second half, one thought they could sneak a win.

Early in the second half, Rogers had an opportunity to put the Quins further in front, but just missed with a 45-yard penalty.

Just minutes later, the home side dealt their opponents a killer blow with two tries in the space of just five minutes.

First, number eight Sean Peregrine forced his way over for an unconverted try and then wing Jonathan Morgan touched down halfway out for Lewis to convert to put Cefneithin 17-6 up.

The hosts were after the all-important bonus point and that duly arrived 15 minutes from the end when Lewis crossed in the corner.

As it turned out, the scoring was over for the day, but it was the Quins who were in the ascendancy as the game came to a conclusion.

It seemed that every Quins player at one time or another had a go at getting over the whitewash, but it was to no avail as Cefneithin's defence held firm, although rather fortuitously at times.

The amount of effort put in by the players cannot be underestimated as both sides were a credit to Division Five.

The Quins can now look forward to two home games against New Dock Stars, on February 9 (kick off 2 pm), followed by the visit of unbeaten league leaders Gowerton on February 16 (kick off 2.30 pm).