Jenkins proves his points

Pontypridd 31

Llanelli 18

WHILE the rest of the British Isles and France provided four international matches on the same day, perhaps thereby tending to devalue due to quantity, in Wales it was back to business and the nitty-gritty of club rugby, which will always be the true heart of the game.

Considering the rival attractions available on television, a remarkably large crowd showed up to watch Pontypridd go to second place in the Heineken League in a dogfight of a game which failed to obliterate the dire memories of the previous weekend. The competitive spirit displayed by both teams was admirable, but unfortunately the standard of rugby was fairly desperate.

Neil Jenkins has nothing to prove to his Pontypridd followers. But he still has to prove to the Welsh public at large that he is the best fly- half in Wales. Yesterday, he advanced his case, for he was undoubtedly Pontypridd's match-winner.

Not only did he keep them in the game by his long, high, bomb-kicking in the first half, but he kicked three penalty goals and a drop goal to give them a half-time lead which was against the run of play.

It was his kicking which allowed the gritty and grizzled Pontypridd forwards to fight their way back into contention and to take the game over in the second period. Although Llanelli had looked the better team in the first half, they failed to bank their chances and their only scores were two penalties by Steven Pearce.

As the game wore on it was Pontypridd who began to put on the style, and the pressure. A break by Neil Jenkins and a quickly won ruck had the alert scrum-half Paul John racing under the post for a try converted by Jenkins. Pontypridd then rolled the ball over the line for a try by the captain, Nigel Bezani, which was converted by Jenkins and Llanelli were totally undone.

Wayne Proctor scored a breakaway try, but this was cancelled by another by David Manley for Pontypridd, and Matthew Wintle's score in the dying seconds was no more than consolation for Llanelli.

Pontypridd: C Cormack; D Manley, J Lewis, S Lewis, G Jones; N Jenkins, P John; N Bezani (capt), P John, N Eynon, G Prosser, M Rowley, M Spiller, R Collins, M Lloyd.

Llanelli: J Thomas, I Evans, N Boobyer, M Wintle, W Proctor; S Pearce, R Moon; R Evans, R. McBryde, S John, P Davies (capt), P Jones, O Lloyd, P Morris, J Williams.

Referee: Clayton Thomas (RWU).