Laugharne RFC 19 pts. Pembroke Dock Quins 11

Like the previous week, the Quins got off to the worst possible start when they conceded probably the fastest penalty try in the history of the game, as they failed to deal with a fine grubber kick put through by Laugharne outside-half Owain Thomas in the opening minute.

Centre Thomas Jameson chipped over the simple conversion to put his side 7-0 up.

The Quins hit back five minutes later and were unlucky when outside-half Ben Hathaway, who has been in fine form with the boot recently, struck the post from an awkward angle, but the young outside-half made amends 10 minutes later when he opened his side’s account with a well-struck 30-yard penalty.

With the elements at their backs, the Quins were not taking a step backwards, with the whole pack, ably led by prop Dean Wilcox, putting down a marker with their well-drilled driving mauls which have given every side they have played this season major problems.

On the half-hour, Laugharne extended their lead when number eight Mike Williams drove over the try-line wide out as the Quins’ defence, after conceding numerous penalties, finally cracked.

Thomas Jameson missed the difficult conversion.

The Quins, who are improving every week, hit back right on the stroke of half-time when from a driving lineout, it was the outstanding Wilcox who powered through the strong home defence to touch down wide out.

Hathaway missed the conversion, but his side were straight out of the blocks as the second half started, catching the hosts offside at a ruck and this time he stepped up to reduce the lead with a fine kick.

At 12-11, it was now anyone’s game, and Laugharne threw everything at the Quins, but there always seemed to be a black and white shirt around to stop them one way or another.

With 15 minutes to go, Mike Williams, who had been a real thorn in the Quins’ side. touched down near the posts from a five-yard scrum.

Scrum-half Ross Michael added the extras which took a losing bonus point away from the Quins.

Despite some strong surges from Stefan Halward, Wilcox and Danny Manning, who tackled himself to a standstill, the Quins could not force one more score.

The hosts themselves tried to force a four-try bonus point, but failed as the Quins stuck at it for the full 80 minutes and the first win now can surely be just round the corner as the Quins are improving with every game.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Quins are at Cefneithin in the SWALEC Bowl as they continue their journey to the Principality Stadium.

Quins team: Mark Wooles, Harry Lawrence, Jordan Asparassa, Thomas Doyle (capt), Dan Goodridge, Ben Hathaway, Elliot Lewis, Stefan Halward, Danny Manning, Mike Davis, Sam James, Alex Pierce, Josh Boswell, Jake Newman, Dean Wilcox.

Replacements - James Gardener, Neil Brace and Martin Culley.