Pembroke RFC 25 pts.

Pembroke Dock Quins 5

Pembroke gained ample revenge for their 24-18 defeat at Bierspool way back in September with a rousing performance in which they gave their local rivals no quarter.

The Scarlets had first use of the elements and they only took three minutes to cross the line, when the Quins scrum was put under intense pressure and when the ball was hacked through centre Sean Dalling won the race for the touchdown close to the uprights. Co centre Toby Smith converted to put his side 7-0 in front.

The Quins were then dealt a blow when they lost fullback Damien Miller to a nasty cut.

He was replaced by Jonathan Rogers who filled in at outside half with Lewis Davies switching to fullback where he has excelled earlier in the season.

The conditions with the wind, rain and probably the heaviest pitch seen at Crickmarren for many years were favouring the home side, the Quins were having major problems at the scrum, and soon went further behind when Toby Smith fired over a fine 30 yard penalty.

The Quins were just about staying in the game with their back row of Stefan Halward, Kevin Bratcher and Barry Parsons putting in over time to keep the Scarlets out.

The Quins conceded a penalty 30 yards out and the Scarlets sensing blood kicked to the corner, and from the resulting lineout, flanker Dom Colman was driven over the line for a unconverted try.

As the half drew to a close the Quins put some pressure on the home line but some resolute defence kept the visitors out.

The question now was could the Quins use the elements after the break to their advantage and was the 15 point lead going to be enough.

They started the second half determined to reduce the arrears, and certainly had a few chances to score, but unfortunately they couldn’t cross the whitewash as the Scarlets stood firm.

Young left wing Jake Griffiths was desperately unlucky not to score when he was held up close to the line.

The Quins though were soon made to pay for missed chances when the Scarlets grabbed their third try with virtually their first meaningful attack of the half when a fine three-quarter move was brilliantly finished off by right wing Barry John.

Smith missed the conversion, and the Scarlets now looked out of sight, but the Quins fought back admirably, and were once again unlucky not to score when both Jake Griffiths and second row Alex Pierce could easily have finished with a try to their name.

Pembroke however were seeking a bonus point against their fiercest rivals and it duly came when No 8 Sam Smith forced his way over for an unconverted try.

The Quins though did managed to score with just five minutes to go, when centre Thomas Doyle made a superb break before sending right wing Wilson Curtis over for a fine try, although Davies missed the conversion.

The Scarlets thoroughly deserved their bonus point win and adapted well to the conditions. Their dominant scrum caused the Quins problems from start to finish, and with the conditions being as they were there were plenty of scrums during the match which kept the homeside in the ascendancy.

Quins team: Damien Miller, Wilson Curtis, Thomas Doyle, Jack Price, Jake Griffiths, Lewis Davies, Elliott Lewis, Sean Willington, Neil Brace (Capt) Jack Davies, Mark Van Rhyn, Alex Pierce, Barry Parsons, Stefan Halward and Kevin Bratcher.

Replacements: Darren Potter, Rhys Roberts, Mike Davis, Jason Keats and Jonathan Rogers.