Jenkins confident Scarlets can improve
October 5, 2001

It might not have been perfect but Gareth Jenkins saw enough at Stradey Park to convince him that Llanelli's Heineken Cup chase is still on course.

Llanelli's long-standing coach watched his men make mistakes galore in driving rain but they still managed to chalk up a first win in a laboured 20-6 success over Perpignan.

After running cup holders Leicester close last week, Llanelli now believe they can record a double over Perpignan in the south of France next January which should earn them a last eight berth providing they can record back-to-back successes over Italian minnows Calvisano.

"After this match we've got a better idea of what they stand for," said Jenkins.

"The return will be a huge game, and in my mind it will be the one that settles the runners-up spot in the group.

"Perpignan tried to kill the ball to keep the tries down and then hoped to score tries at home.

"But we know what to expect. For the first few years of this competition the French had the rest of Europe in awe but we know what to expect these days.

"I am sure that we can go down there and pinch a result."

Long before then, Llanelli expect inspirational captain Scott Quinnell to be back in action.

But, in the meantime, fly half Stephen Jones continues to make a decent fist of leading the side in the wounded Lions' absence.

Jones was again his side's saviour, scoring all the points to see off the visitors' challenge to take his European haul to 29 in two starts.

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