PEMBROKE DOCK HARLEQUINS came back from a 3-5 half time deficit to grab the bragging rights in front of a healthy crowd at Bierspool on Saturday (Mar 5) and avenge a 45-17 defeat in the WRU Bowl way back in September.
Prior to kick off, a minutes’ silence was held for Quins stalwart John Willcocks who sadly passed away on February 14.
The Pembrokeshire All Blacks kicked off into a favourable cross wind. There was very little to choose between the two sides in the early stages, and it took until the 20th minute for the scoreboard to get moving.
Quins Outside Half Euan MacDonald made no mistake with a well judged 30-yard penalty.
Ten minutes later the Quins looked like they were going to score when No8 and Captain Harry Owen shrugged off a tackle and ran from the half way line, before linking with Scrum Half Josh Brown who was held up on the line after determined defence from the All Blacks.
For the rest of the half both teams battled for supremacy, and it was the visitors who scored a close range try from No8 Ben Williams, Full Back Patrick Bellerby missed the Conversion.
With the match up for grabs the first score would be vital, and it was the Quins who struck within 5 minutes of the restart.
A magnificent run from replacement Aaron James, on for Wing Kobie Thomas, set up a superb try for Centre Jack Price who raced in from 30 yards to score between the posts, Euan MacDonald converted to put the Quins 10-5 in front.
Neyland fought back courageously and were soon rewarded when outstanding Flanker Josh Hicks powered in from 25 yards out, Patrick Bellerby missed the conversion and the score stayed at 10-10.
As the game entered the final quarter the result was still in doubt, but it was the Quins through Euan MacDonald who regained the lead when he stroked over an awkward penalty from 30 yards out to put the Quins 13-10 up.
The Quins were soon back on the offensive, and soon scored their second try when a quick tapped penalty by replacement Scrum Half Sam Rasher James enabled the youngster to score in the corner, Euan MacDonald missed the conversion but the Quins looked safe at 18-10.
Back came Neyland though and they were rewarded with their third try when Second Row Harrison Grice crashed over, Patrick Bellerby Converted and it was game on again with barely a few minutes left.
The Quins though held firm as Neyland tried desparatly to break out of Defence. The game was played in a fine sprit and was superbly Refereed by Ian Jones of Pontycymmer.
