Pontypool made it four out of four with a hard fought win of 24 -16 at West Wales giants Camarthen Quins.

After previously defeating Glamorgan Wanderers in a lacklustre performance Pooler again looked below par.

But despite serious problems with their lineouts and scrums the red and blacks proved why their defence is number one in the division.

Byron Hayward was again in inspirational form marshalling his side with a dazzling display. And it was under his and Captain Matthew Taylor's leadership that the side carved out this tough victory.

Camarthen made the early breaks from the kick off, taking the lead with a penalty from outside half Julian Howells. The number 10 continued to rally his side as the Quins imposed their game with strong forward play and good territorial kicking. Pooler's forwards looked frustrated and were continually penalised in the set plays. Howells made them pay stretching his side's lead to 6-0.

Ponty remained unfazed and took the lead through a fine try. Quick ball from a scrum close to Camarthen's goal posts was fed with blistering pace to full back Joel Griffin who scrambled over the line for five points. Hayward converted for a 7-6 lead.

The Quins continued to pile the pressure on, frustrating Pontypool's lineout and scrums and they were rewarded with another penalty and three points from Howells. But a penalty from Hayward gave Pontypool the half time lead 10-9.

Camarthen looked dangerous from the kick off yet it was Taylor's men who scored. Pontypool launched a sustained attack from deep with the ball spread with accuracy and pace to centre Jonathan Hawker who broke through to score. Hayward converted for 17-9 lead.

Pontypool's unblemished record was looking safe and another scintillating break from Hayward made sure of this. Weaving his way through the Quins weary defence he set up quick ruck ball. On hand for the pass was winger Chris Laundry who crashed through to score. Hayward converted making the game safe.

Camarthen did score a consolation try when Ponty's defence finally broke after a 10 minute blitz of pressure and attack - number 8 Stuart Jenkins the scorer. Howells converted for a final score of 16-24.

Pontypool face Llandovery at home next and injury worries surround Hayward's wrist after he was forced to leave the pitch late on. Team Manager Tony Clarke said he didn't believe it would be too serious.

"I think it's just a precautionary measure, he should be fit for next week. It was a difficult game but I think we did enough. Byron proved what a class above he was," a delighted Clarke said, warning: "I don't think we're firing on all cylinders yet and when we do someone is going to get whacked."