The strong wind was always going to be an influence and it was the Quins who handled it slightly the better.
Playing with the elements in the first half it was important that the Quins settled and keep the score board ticking over but a first minute penalty was pushed wide by the normally reliable Craig Evans and the pattern for the afternoon was set.
Neath, fresh from their fine win over Cardiff, were keen to keep the ball moving and with the home side in the same mood, end to end stuff kept the supporters on their toes. From a line out in their own half, the Quins started an attack that took play from right to left and back again giving them an over-lap that Rhys Williams used to cross in the Gas works corner. Evans narrowly missed the conversion.
Both sides enthusiasm was blotted with sloppy passing and dropped catches and James Thomas missed a 21st minute penalty only to be on target minutes later with a 35 metre effort. The skill levels associated with both teams was missing and a dull opening half ended with scores at 5-3 to the Quins.
Craig Evans increased the Quins lead with a 44th minute penalty. From a line out in the Neath half, that the Quins won, only to see yet another silly mistake needlessly present the ball to a Neath forward who linked with Alun Jones and his 40 meter run took him over for a good try, James Thomas converted to put the visitors ahead.
Play gave the supporters little to applaud about and it was left to Craig Evans to restore the Quins lead with a 35 meter penalty into the wind. On the hour mark, it was to give the games brightest moment, when from a set piece the Quins moved the ball right and a pass inside to the alert Chris Banfield gave him the chance that we have all come to expect and his electric change of pace saw him slice through to cross under the posts. Craig Evans converted to give the Quins that buffer that they held on to, and secure the points to stay in third place and deny any bonus points that Neath deserved.
The Quins are hosts to fellow challengers Cross Keys next Sunday with a televised 4.00 p.m. Kick Off
