Thursday, August, 24th, 2017.
Carmarthen Athletic 7 – 14 Maesteg Quins
Pre-Season Fixture
Pack Power-play Proves Productive
Such pre-season matches should take teams out of their comfort zone. Journeying halfway across south Wales to play an evening fixture in mid-week, was one way to make life difficult. So it was to Merlin’s domain and the salubrious surroundings of Athletic Park, that the Quins travelled to take on Carmarthen Athletic.
Ten years ago the Quins pulled off a tremendous but unexpected league win against a very strong Athletic outfit. Today, convivial Carmarthenshire men have dispelled player payment and are building their success on local talent as they ply their trade in Division Two West.
Early Score
Adam Hillier-Rees claimed an early pushover try up the Athletic Park incline, before being forced to leave the field. Converted by Siôn King, this was the only score of a competitive first half.
Although dominant the Quins could not make decisive breaks or continuously pressurise their hosts. Turnovers were the order of the day. Both teams stole possession at the breakdown, but the Quins did so with a greater frequency.
After one superb steal, the Quins showed wonderful hands to put wing Josh Mines who, with his substantial headband looked a dead ringer for former Scotland skipper Rob Wainwright, flying up the touchline.
Choking
In the second half the Quins pack put a stranglehold on the hosts that throttled them. Scrum, line-out and rolling maul dominated. Yet for all the dominance and all the possession, a rolling-maul try from Dean Ronan again converted by King, was all that they had to show for their efforts.
A deft cross-kick was gathered by Ronan, who showed neat hands to put Mines over the line. Only after the touchdown did the referee adjudge one of the pair to have been in front of the kicker to disallow the try.
Star Performers
Both full-backs proved star performers. Kieran Watkins broke the defences on several occasions. His breaks should have led to scores. However, a distinct lack of support prevented the necessary continuity.
Apart from their scrummaging, props Lewis Francis and Mark Watson put in tackles that regularly halted the Athletic. Nathan Smith dominated the line-out while Steve Williams, Hillier-Rees and Burridge constantly stole possession.
Final Throe
Having won possession just outside their twenty-five, a low relieving Quins kick ricocheted back off the oncoming Athletic centre. Lobbing forward, with the Quins defence flat-footed the ball was collected as it bounced perfectly into home hands for a converted try in the final action of the match.
Where Next?
Now all eyes turn to league action. It starts on September 2nd at Harlequin Road, against Aberafan Harlequins. Hope to see you there.