Match Report:

Tumble's success this season has been a belief in a strong squad system and this was typified with a ten try demolition of visitors Pembroke Dock Quins. In a side that showed eight changes from last week's starting line up, Tumble's strength was obvious from the outset. Captain Derek Lewis led by example and, with legs pumping ferociously, he made early ground into the visitors 22 where Steven Hewitt was able to add three points from a penalty.

The front row of Clive Morgan, Matthew Evans and hooker Mike Powell had total dominance over their opposite numbers and, with Nick Bailey at scrum half showing touches of brilliance, it wasn't long before a try came. Winning turnover ball gave flanker Paul Davies the opportunity to release the backs and with Gareth Jones racing upfield the defence was split. Up popped Bailey who neatly sidestepped the last line of defence and scored a converted try under the posts.

Dock's reply was a catch and drive but they couldn't penetrate a defence well organised by centres Jeremy and Richard Davies. Again, the Magpies won turnover ball and the rampaging Powell found support with Davies and Evans. They took the ball way upfield and Chris Morris belied his advancing years by sprinting in from some 35 metres for Hewitt to convert.

Powell's pinpoint throwing to man mountain Jeremy Goddard was exemplary and, with so much ball at their possession, Tumble's third try came after 25 minutes when Bailey found a gap. Hewitt came charging into the line creating the overlap for wing Richard Rees to score in the corner. Rees was to end up with a personal tally of five tries.

Pembroke could only spoil and this resulted in No. 8 Scoufield being sin binned. A man down was the signal for the Magpies to let loose and they scored a further three tries during this period. Rees' second was a beauty following an incisive break from Cerith Humphries. Tumble took the kick off, Matthew Evans made ground, Derek Lewis stormed through but a forward pass prevented the score. Tumble turned the ensuing scrum, won a penalty and the lightening brain of Bailey gave Morris his second. The next came with Hewitt chipping and regaining the ball from an on rushing defence , Paul Davies was on hand and namesake Jeremy touched down under the posts. Hewitt converted all three.

Tumble kicked off the second half and were immediately into their stride. They pinched lineout ball through Goddard, Morris fed Rees, he made the break and a neatly angled run from Gareth Jones gave him the try wide out.

The Quins stuck manfully to their task but they had no answer to the pace of Tumble, or from the charging runs of Derek Lewis and Mike Powell. The team were playing for each other and were confident in their own skills. Richard Davies showed some magic handling and Cerith Humphries dictated behind. Tumble increased the lead on the hour with all backs handling and the deft pass from Richard Davies gave Rees his third which Hewitt converted. Two minutes later his fourth came when Lewis' break saw Hewitt taken and give to Rees who went over. Bailey coaxed his forwards and Evan and Harries did excellently in the loose. There followed uncontested scrums but this still didn't stop the Magpies. Bailey darted from inside the visitors 22 and Rees got his fifth which Hewitt converted.

By now the referee had seen that too much punishment was being dished out and called an early halt to proceedings. Tumble now need to attune to Mumbles whom they face in the Tovali Bowl Final in Dunvant RFC on 9th May, KO 7.15 pm. If they show the same spirit as they have done against the likes of Llangefni and Aberystwyth they could well walk away with more silverware to crown a remarkable season.

Steve Lewis