Jenkins proves the master planner

This deserves to stand alongside Stradey's finest days. So much was at stake for Llanelli and Wales, and the Scarlets' victory produced the shock of the Heineken Cup.

To topple the European champions when they have been looking so invincible puts Llanelli in a frame of mind to go on to better things in this great tournament.

The trusty Leicester grinding machine ground to a halt in the face of a superb Llanelli performance that was all the more praiseworthy because they had to shake themselves free of the effects of an appalling start.

Leicester took a six-point lead and looked as if their famed efficiency would see them through. But thereafter they were not allowed to capture any lasting command of the proceedings.

Considering that there were no tries it was a gripping and fascinating game. No tries but plenty of triers – and most of them were in the Llanelli team.

But before you talk about Llanelli's heroes on the pitch, tribute must be paid to their coach Gareth Jenkins. He has been at Stradey for over 12 years and still he keeps his enthusiasm and freshness of ideas. His game plan laid the basis for this victory. They kept the ball in hand playing against the wind in the first half and starved Leicester of possession.

That poor start, which was certainly not helped by a few dodgy decisions by the referee, did not deter them from their plan and although they were only 15-12 ahead at the interval it was the first half that won it for them.

With the strong wing at their backs in the second half they maintained the upper hand, helped by some brilliant kicking from Stephen Jones and managed to brush aside one or two Leicester attempts to run at them. Only Leicester's fierce defence stopped them getting the try they deserved but Jones with eight penalties out of eight did the necessary and would have given Wales coach Graham Henry a firm reminder of his qualities.

Once more, Scott Quinnell was magnificent and he received great support from a pack of forwards who took Leicester on up front and subdued them.

Prop Martyn Madden had another storming game and Jerry Guscott sitting beside could not believe that he was not in the Welsh squad. Neither can I because he is getting better and better.

As for Leicester, I still think they are a big factor in the tournament. If they have to play away in the quarter finals then I don't think their opponents will be feeling all that confident.

They are such a solid side, mentally and physically, that they can put this set-back behind them and perhaps come back even more motivated. In many ways, these two clubs are similar. They both have great traditions and a reputation for producing the big performances when they are needed. Leicester have explosive players as well as the deadly efficient ones and I would not bet against them wherever they are playing in the next round.

As for Llanelli, this was a sweet day after the bitter disappointment against Gloucester last season. They have been steadily improving and with a win over Leicester to boost them, they won't be afraid of anyone.