Division Three West A

Penybanc 22 New Dock 3

After last week’s nightmare in Lampeter, Banc played host to New Dock Stars in the hope of getting their season back on track.

Dock fielded an enormous pack with plenty of experience and soon made their intentions known with some powerful tight play, but the Banc defence was back to its stubborn best and the storm was weathered.

When the time came for the Tigers to attack through a typical Wayne Williams break, the ball was spread across the back-line for wing Andy McCall to go over.

Soon after, Owen Higgins showed his class with a jinking run and offload to skipper Adrian Pugh, who in turn fed hard-working flanker Aled Danter to sprint over from 20 yards. Higgins added the extras.

With Banc playing all the rugby, a Gethin Harris burst saw centre Mathew Brayley put a delightful chip through for the impressive McCall to grab his second and claim a half-time lead of 17-3.

Banc had the wind at their back in the second half and should have made better use of it, but some great New Dock defence saw the hosts limited to just one try as Brayley went over after some superb skill from the standout Higgins.

The score clinched the bonus point and was just what the doctor ordered.

Prop Steve Richards put in a huge shift in his first start of the season while skipper Pugh and flankers Harris and Danter were again outstanding.

Centre Nathan Jenkins also made a welcome return after a long absence through injury.

Banc take a break from the league this weekend and head to Tumble in the second round of the Swalec plate.